Promotion Center for Little Italy
hosts neighborhood tour for Filitalia
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On June 17, Promotion Center for Little Italy, Baltimore, hosted members of Filitalia International (filitaliainternational.org), a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia to promote and preserve the Italian heritage, language, and customs throughout the world, visited Baltimore's Little Italy. Ray Alcaraz (pictured right), co-founder of Promotion Center, along with Elia Mannetta, (third from right), lifetime Little Italy resident and St. Leo's parishioner, provided a tour of the neighborhood beginning with St. Leo’s where Fr. Bernie welcomed them. Saverio Nestico, president, and members of Filitalia, also toured the bocce courts, Columbus Piazza, murals and streets of Little Italy, finishing the day with dinner at La Scala Ristorante Italiano.
"A lot of planning and effort went into this cultural alliance," said Anna Di Legge, Filitalia member. "Impressive."
"Excellent time!" said Nestico (pictured left). "Great energy, passion and food! Little Italy, Baltimore will continue to thrive under the amazing leadership of Ray Alcaraz, Elia Mannetta and many others. The Baltimore Chapter of Filitalia International under the leadership of Elizabeth Pease and Lori Trump will fully embrace the history and culture of Little Italy and will be instrumental in the continued success. Complimenti!"
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Saint Leo's Church traditional Feast of Saint Anthony Italian Festival 2023 was packed with Italian food, live music and cultural activities to bring joy and camaraderie to over 5,000 attendees over three days. People shopped the 30 artisanal craft vendors showcasing handmade Italian goods and 11 nonprofit booths, participated and spectated in the bocce tournament, and strolled through the festival to immerse in the rich traditions of our Italian heritage. Companies and individual donors were recognized on large banners, and on a flyer inside the giveaway tote bag.
Friday night's movie was Moonstruck, reminiscent of Little Italy's Open Air Film Festival (which ceased in 2017). Kids enjoyed entertainment, a game trailer with prizes, face painting, stilt walker, hoola hooping, and cornhole. Our traditional sausage-eating contest had eight competitors. Food was made and served by parishioners and volunteers. We feel grateful our prayers to Saint Anthony were answered with beautiful weather!
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FROM SAINT LEO'S CHURCH
No August Festival for 2023
Because of the intense planning, time, labor, expense, and want of enough volunteers needed for Saint Leo's Italian Festivals, the staff has decided not to host its traditional Feast of St. Gabriele this August. There will be, however, its traditional Mass and street procession honoring St. Gabriele on Sunday, August 20 during and after the 9:30am Mass. Saint Leo's hopes to begin good planning for next time.
Please mark your calendar for the annual ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2023 October 7 hosted by Italian Heritage Committee which benefits Saint Leo's. See the flyer below in EVENTS.
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Italian flags, trees refreshed
in Columbus Piazza
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Although the Little Italy community had tried for years to get Baltimore City to remove and replace the diseased trees in Columbus Piazza and along the waterfront promenade, efforts were unsuccessful. But thanks to Maggie McIntosh, the job has been done. Three new tree species were planted, which ensures that one disease will not destroy the entire lot of trees. What a beautiful sight!
And just in time for the June 2-4 Feast of Saint Anthony Festival, six new Italian flags, donated by LINA / Little Italy Neighborhood Association, were hung on President Street in the median strip at Fawn Street across from Columbus Piazza. The flags extend the line of other Italian flags in the piazza, providing directional guidance to pedestrians and drivers wanting to locate Little Italy's shops and restaurants across the street. All flags on President Street and in the piazza were installed courtesy of DEL / Douglas Electric & Lighting. Thanks goes to DEL executive, Michael Meola, and truck operator, Eric Smith, who orchestrated the install and Columbus Celebrations, Inc. gets a thanks for donating the flags in the piazza.
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STATUS OF STATUE - This is what we know ... the restored statue is still in the warehouse at the sculptor’s location. Columbus Celebrations, Inc. still does not have a definite location to place the statue, but they know it will NOT be put back in Little Italy for various reasons - one is because it is predicted that protestors will only tear it down again. Harford County, Maryland is interested and Columbus reps have met with Bob Cassilly, County Executive, who is researching information about several outdoor locations. A museum in Harford County is also a possibility. "There are a lot of things to consider," says Bill Martin of Columbus Celebrations. "No decisions yet. The only interest is from Harford County at this time."
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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As we move forward into summer, I wanted to take a moment to update you on some exciting developments happening within our Lodge. We have been investing in the building and making some much-needed improvements to enhance our members' experience. We understand our building is not just a physical space but a place that represents our community and heritage. We have installed new light fixtures, upgraded bar offerings, and added cloth tablecloths to make the Lodge more comfortable and functional. We will be investing in a new state-of-the-art sound system to provide a better audio and video experience during our events and gatherings. These are just some of the many improvements to ensure our building remains a welcoming and vibrant space for years to come.
I would like to express my gratitude to our members for their continued support and dedication to our club. Your enthusiasm and commitment are what make our community so special, and I am honored to serve as your president. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and enjoying the fruits of our labor in the building improvements.
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See you at the Lodge!
Christopher Pisano
President
Little Italy Lodge #2286, OSDIA
905 East Pratt Street
Little Italy/Baltimore, MD 21202
410-685-3116
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Joe Benny's Foccaceria in Little Italy
closes after almost a decade
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" ... finally taking its tolls on my body, my brain. I'm a wreck. But you know this. Forcing myself to keep going because I love this, I love you, and I love what we created, so I pushed myself. Ladies and gentlemen, I can't push anymore. I'm tired. I'm fat. I'm crazy. I'm stressed. And that's not fair to you, not fair to my staff, or myself."
"Welcome to the first ever #joebennyisstillhere post. What, did you think I was gonna fall off the face of the earth and stop posting? No chance, y’all, I’ve worked too hard to let this brand fade away. So, first Wednesday night not cooking dinner at Joe Benny’s in 10 years … and I make meatballs. I hope it gets easier."
"Although our doors are now closed, I’ve been up all morning as if I still needed to go start my prep work. So, in lieu of my morning dough-making routine and social media rant, I wanted to say a few parting words. The past month has been challenging - both physically and mentally - to say the least. Now that the tears have started to run dry (barely) and the dust starts to settle, I’ve been thinking of a way to thank each and every one of you personally. Probably an impossible task, but I’m gonna try my best to come pretty darn close. Buckle up, give yourself about five minutes (it’s a long thank you letter), keep scrolling to read, and please know that I love every one of yous for the years of support. #ciaociao."
"I get all your posts. I read 'em all. Great stories. You're making me cry. Every frickin' day you're making me cry. But I love you so much. Thank you for everything. Ciao Ciao."
"No regrets"
Entertain yourself with the witty, raw and real
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Teen to study in USA;
seeks host family
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"My parents on their wedding day, November 23, 1934. My mother was Teresa Elizabeth DeSantis and my father, Vincent Leo DeSantis, Sr. They happened to have the same last name yet were not related. Mamma grew up on High Street and Papà on Conkling Street in nearby Highlandtown. They married at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Highlandtown. My paternal grandmother was Mary Gallo from Exeter Street in Little Italy."
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Include caption, people ID, location, approximate year, and your name.
Photos must be Little Italy or Italian immigrant-related.
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"Fantastic issue! You do amazing work!"
~ Tom Iacoboni
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a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
founded 2010
EDITOR
Director & Co-founder
EDITORIAL ADVISOR
Co-founder
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