LAYING OF WREATH AT COLUMBUS STATUE IN TOWER GROVE PARK By Marianne Peri Sack    In 1886, Henry Shaw gifted the people of St. Louis with a huge, gilt-bronze statue that stands in the beautiful Tower Grove Park.  The unusual statue is the only known likeness of Columbus depicted with a beard.  In keeping with a long-time tradition, the staff of the park honors the great navigator by placing a wreath at the statue’s base each year on October 12.  Years ago the statue was the site of parades and ceremonies in the Italian community as it celebrated Columbus Day.   Since 1999, the Federation of Italian American Organizations (FIAO) has been joining the park’s Director, John Karel, and his staff in the shadow of the famous statue to honor the man who changed the world by his discovery of the New World.         Among the guests that day were Columbus Day Parade honorees, Grand Marshall Joe Boccardi, Spirit of Columbus Award winner Marie Cucci Brand and Special Lifetime Achievement St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Award winner Father Leo Spezia.  Light refreshments were served after the ceremony.          COLOR ME COLUMBUS By Marianne Peri Sack    A coloring contest was held in honor of the celebration of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the new world on October 12, 1492.  The contest was sponsored by the St. Louis Columbus Day Corporation and Girasole Gifts and Imports.  The pictures of the great navigator were distributed to children in three levels of complexity suitable for ages 3 to 4, 5 to 7 and 8 to 10.   A first prize of $25.00 was given to each level and 2nd and 3rd prizes were also awarded.  Many of the pictures were on display at the Columbus Day Festival at Berra Park on October 9.      The winners were:  ages 3 to 4 – First place Nadia Schweiger, Second place Christiana Giudici, Third place Abigail Llewellyn; ages 5 to 7 – First place Madelyn Wansong, Second place Alex Severino, Third place – David Hummel; ages 8 to 10 – First place Julia Stark, Second place Marissa Sinak, Third place – Olivia Passafiume.              SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH FRIENDS WILL CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF STEWARDSHIP By Marianne Peri Sack    The Shrine of St. Joseph Friends will celebrate a special Mass on October 2 commemorating the 25th anniversary of the organization’s stewardship of the Shrine of St. Joseph at 1220 No. 11th Street in downtown St. Louis.  Following the brutal murder of their beloved priest, Father Filipiak, in 1979, a group of people asked the Archdiocese to lease the Shrine to them instead of tearing it down, which was agreed to on October 1, 1980.  Fired only by their faith and dream of one day restoring the church to its former magnificence, the Shrine of St. Joseph Friends organization was incorporated and they began the tedious and very expensive job of restoration.  They had no idea where the money would come from but volunteer workers came forward and they began to raise the necessary revenue for this huge undertaking.      During this time, they brought the historic church from serious deterioration to a beautiful restoration that is ongoing.  Many couples line up to say their wedding vows at the elaborate Altar of Answered Prayers.  It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the site of the only Vatican-authenticated miracle in the Midwest.      All are invited to the special Mass at 11:00 a.m. where all those who contributed will be honored and remembered in prayers.  A special photo display can be viewed after Mass and refreshments will be served. MARIE CUCCIA-BRAND WINS SPIRIT OF COLUMBUS AWARD By Marianne Peri Sack    The St. Louis Columbus Day Corporation selected Marie Cuccia-Brand to receive the 2005 Spirit of Columbus Award.  Cuccia-Brand was born in St. Louis and raised on the Hill.  Her parents were Joseph Cuccia and Concettina DiMartino Cuccia.      She grew up watching her father and uncle active in various Italian organizations including the Columbus Day Corporation.  She is proud of her Italian heritage and has involved herself in a variety of different organizations and events furthering the Italian culture.      Cuccia-Brand is a graduate of Rosati-Kain High School, earned a B.S. in Organizational Psychology and an M. A. in Human Resource Management both from Washington University.  She currently is a summer school coordinator at the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Washington University and is owner of Silver Bear Jewelry and co-owner of Girasole Gifts and Imports on the Hill. Cuccia-Brand previously was Assistant Dean for Continuing Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science at Washington University.    She holds membership in the following organizations: Italian Club of St. Louis as Vice-President and Editor of La Rondine newsletter; Committee for the Young Artists’ Competition, Federation of Italian-American Organizations; Hill 2000; Hill Business Association; St. Ambrose Church Choir; St. Ambrose School Board 1995-2004; Home-Based Women Entrepreneurs where she is currently working on fundraising and sponsorship issues, past Vice-President, Secretary and Database Manager; Encouraging, Supporting and Promoting Women (ESPW) as a member and sponsor and e-Women Network.      Cuccia-Brand is married to Richard Brand and has two children Gina Liddy Prokopeak and Robert Liddy and two stepchildren Rodger Brand and Holly Brand and three grandchildren.          MADONNA DELLA ROCCA MASS AT CARDINAL GLENNON By Marianne Peri Sack    The Madonna della Rocca Society held its annual Mass and fundraiser at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital at 9:00 a.m. on August 28 as it has been doing for the past 49 years.  The mass was held in the hospital’s small chapel that is decorated in various Italian marble.  Dominating the chapel is a huge mural over the altar depicting Christ surrounded by many children.  The St. Louis artist, Rodney Winfield, explained that its message was simply the New Testament passage, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.”  The various creatures of God, such as a rooster, duck, dog, cat, fish, the boats in the river and houses he had placed on the mural because that is what children like and feel comfortable with. Mary and the child Jesus are in the upper right hand corner and a path of doves symbolizes the Holy Spirit.           After Mass, a continental breakfast was held in the auditorium.  Ann Blum, co-chair of the event explained that on the last Sunday of August in the town of Alessandria della Rocca in Sicily, the people have a four-day holiday with fireworks, a procession and no school for the children.  Free- will donations are made for the breakfast and quilt raffle and other raffles take place.  All proceeds go to the hospital Speech department.  Sister Marietta Ann, in charge of the Speech department, uses the money to purchase items for the children that are not normally in the hospital budget.    “The Sciannirisi (citizens from the town of Alessandria and their descendants) have a great love for the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Blum said.    This devotion stemmed from a miracle that occurred centuries ago.  A poor woman left her daughter, Angela, who was blind from birth, in a level spot while she climbed a hill in search of herbs and plants for her family to eat. In her absence, the Virgin appeared to the little girl and told her of the exact location of a statue of her hidden away in a cave to prevent the pillaging from invading Saracens. She said to Angela, “I am the Queen of Heaven.  Go to the authorities and to the people and tell them that I shall be the special patroness of Alessandria and its people.  They must build on this very spot, a sanctuary and in it revere my image…”.  The little girl exclaimed that the people would not believe her.  With a touch to her eyes, the Blessed Virgin restored her eyesight.  The mother was overwhelmed upon her return to see her daughter cured and the news of the blessed vision.  The people went to the cave as described by Mary and found the beautiful statue made of white marble of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus which now resides in the sanctuary built where the Virgin first appeared to Angela. An exact replica of the statue sits on a pedestal outside of the chapel at Cardinal Glennon Hospital.  On a plaque underneath the statue are these words, “Presented to the Children of the Cardinal Glennon Memorial Hospital by the Italian immigrants and their families of Alessandria della Rocca, Sicily.  There once a very long time ago the Madonna della Rocca smiled upon a child and gave here light.  May she also smile upon thee.”           ST. AMBROSE FLEA MARKET By Marianne Peri Sack    The St. Ambrose’s Annual Flea Market was held on September 17 and 18 and again bargain hunters and collectors swarmed to the church basement to see the treasure trove that Josephine Garavaglia and her committee had assembled.  The flea market was also open at La Festa on October 2. ST. AMBROSE OPEN HOUSE By Marianne Peri Sack    St. Ambrose Church held an informative open house for parishioners on September 11 in the school cafeteria.  It was held to advise new and old members of the various organizations within the church.  Depending on an individual’s interest, there are many opportunities to join the many groups such as the altar society, church cleaning, choir, Eucharistic Ministry, health and wellness, Holy Name Society, scouts, quilting, St. Vincent DePaul, Senior citizens, ushers, Mount Carmel and the list continues. The groups offer many services to the parish and community and are always looking for volunteers.      SICK AND ELDERLY RAVIOLI DINNER By Marianne Peri Sack    The Sick and Elderly of the Hill held its annual ravioli dinner on Sunday, September 27.  A steady stream of customer lined up for the dinner consisting of ravioli, beef, salad, bread and dessert. The men of the neighborhood cooked and served and two well-known servers were Father Vince Bommarito and Bob Ruggeri.      The organization is the brain child of RoseMary and John Bianchi who bring needed medical supplies and equipment to the sick and elderly people of the Hill.    COLUMBUS DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL By Marianne Peri Sack    It was the type of day that any organizer of an outdoor event prays for – temperatures in the mid 60s, a sunny sky and a balmy breeze.  President of the St. Louis Columbus Day Corporation heaved a sigh of relief as the parade participants left the parking lot of Southwest Bank and marched down Southwest Avenue on Sunday, October 9, at noon.  All along the route, members of the 100-unit parade threw beads and candy to the outstretched hands of the waiting crowd that lined the streets.      The parade ended at Berra Park and everyone poured into the park for a brief ceremony at the bandstand.  After the playing of the American and Italian national anthems, Ollie Raymand, director of the Italian Community Bank of St. Louis, said, ”We are here to celebrate a visionary man and his sailors who found a new land that would offer more opportunity than Europe.”    He then introduced the 2005 honorees.  Grand Marshall Joe Boccardi stated that he was honored to be here and thanked those that spent so much time organizing the event.  He said, “God Bless America.”  Spirit of Columbus winner Marie Cucci-Brand said she was here for her parents, Connie and Joe Cuccia, who instilled in her a deep pride in her heritage.  The Special Lifetime Achievement St. Frances Xavier Cabrini winner Father Leo Spezia thanked everyone and said he sure would like to have that red, Mustang convertible that McMahon had given him to ride in the parade.  Miss Italian St. Louis Rachel Perron said it was a great day and thanked all who helped in the event.  Maid of Honor Andrea Travaglini stated it was an honor to be here and work with Rachel and the Italian community.  Vice Consul Joe Colagiovanni noted that when you honor a priest, you automatically get beautiful weather.  He stated that it was a pleasure to be here to honor his paisano, Joe Boccardi.    The crowd was treated to a performance by a new dance group, the St. Ambrose Tarantella Dancers. The children were dressed in traditional Italian folk costumes and the little girls heads were encircled with a wreath.  They performed traditional tarantella folk dances to the delight of the crowd as they clapped in time to the music.    The crowds fanned out and stood in line at the various booths where the tantalizing scent of cooking food and spices permeated the air.   The problem was which to choose from – sandwiches made of salsciccia, breaded chicken, meatball, Sicilian Steak or spidini with a rich sauce of oil, garlic and various spices ladled on top.  Italian olive salad and St. Louis’ own toasted ravioli were also available.  For dessert there was cannoli, cookies and Italian gelato.      The crowd spent the remainder of the day visiting in the warm sun and listening to the music of the Italian Community Band of St. Louis.               FATHER LEO SPEZIA WINS ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI AWARD By Marianne Peri Sack    Father Leo Spezia was selected to win the St. Louis Columbus Day Corporation’s special award named after St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, referred to as the Immigrant’s Saint.  The award is not given every year and the recipient must have shown dedicated service and longevity to the Italian- American community.   Father Spezia is the exemplification of what this award was meant to symbolize.  He is a quiet, pious and humble man who has served both God and his country in so many ways.    Proud of his Italian heritage, he joined the Fratellanza Society shortly after his ordination and became its chaplain.  He is the chaplain of UNICO and is a member of the Misericordia Society and the Italian Club of St. Louis.  He has founded various Chaplaincy departments and trained over 100 chaplains for the FBI and the State of Missouri.  He is the main Chaplain for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the St. Louis County Police Dept. local St. Louis Troop C, the St. Louis County Municipal Fire Academy, the City of Vinita Park and town of Charlack.  As Chaplain of St. Louis Chapter of FBI, he also works out of Washington and as chaplain of the Football Rams, he travels with them.      He was called upon to comfort the victims, survivors and fire and police personal at Oklahoma City bombing and Twa Flight 800 crash in Atlanta.  He had the heartbreaking task of serving at Ground Zero four times after September 11.  Father has also been called to serve at destinations for his country that cannot be disclosed.    In 2003, he was given the prestigious Americanism Award at the UNICO National Convention in San Antonio.  He received many congratulatory letters including one from President George Bush.   The President stated, “Throughout our history, men and women of faith have helped shape the character of America.  As a chaplain to police officers, firefighters and others, you have shared God’ s teachings and inspired a spirit of compassion and generosity in others…America is a better place because of your willingness to share your wisdom and faith.”          JOSEPH BOCCARDI: GRAND MARSHALL 2005 COLUMBUS DAY PARADE By Marianne Peri Sack    Joseph (Joe) Boccardi was born in San Martino in the region of Mollise, Italy, to Raffaele and Maria Boccardi, the youngest of their eight children.  His life existed of backbreaking work on the family farm and he dreamed of a better life.  His dream brought Joe and his brother, Lou, to the United States to seek their fortune like millions of immigrants before them.      Sponsored by cousins, Joe and Lou Parente, owner of the popular Parente’s Italian Village Restaurant, it was inevitable that Boccardi would enter the restaurant business.  He worked for the Parentes as a bus boy and also worked for another cousin, Bartolino Saracino at Lacino’s Restaurant.     In the early 70s, the then quiet town of Eureka, Missouri, was watching as the new Six Flags amusement park was bringing excitement and a population explosion to the area.  Boccardi saw a golden opportunity and immediately seized it by opening his first restaurant, Joe Boccardi’s Pizzeria, that later evolved into a full service restaurant with the help of his lovely wife, Margherita.  He worked hard but he knew he was doing this for his family.  Word of the fine cuisine dining at his place spread and soon his restaurant was filled with tourists, locals and performers from Six Flags.   Some of the famous names that have eaten there are Pat Boone, Olivia Newton John, Dick Clark and Barbara Mandrell.      In 1992, he decided to spread his wings and opened a restaurant located in Columbia, Illinois, and in 1996, he opened one at 8556 Watson Road.  In 2001, Joe and his family took another step forward by opening The Falls in Columbia, Illinois, a banquet hall dedicated to elegant weddings, banquets, dances and other events.  The business was also expanded to add catering.  Then in 2003, he opened Joe Boccardi’s at the Coronado in one of St. Louis’ grand, historic hotels, the beautiful Coronado, which had been turned into dormitories for St. Louis University students.  It has become not only a favorite hangout for the young but also a place to stop and enjoy a good meal before or after a night out at the Fox, the Grandel or other places of entertainment around the rejuvenated Grand Avenue.      He is a man who constantly expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to succeed in this country and he never ceases to thank his sponsors and mentors, the Parentes and the Saracinos.  He has earned the reputation of being a family man and faithful friend to many and he is a generous contributor to the Italian community.  In spite of his busy schedule, he also finds time to be an interested participant at various events.    Boccardi is a member of UNICO, the Sicilian Cultural Association, the Italian Club, the Eureka Jaycees, the West St. Louis Lions Club, the Eureka Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Jefferson Bank.  The annual Joseph Boccardi Restaurant Classic Golf Tournament that he sponsors generates funds for various local charities.    Joe and Margherita’s three sons, Ray, Joe, Jr., and Mario, all work in the family business.  The Boccardis have five grandchildren who will no doubt someday join the family business.      MISS ITALIAN ST. LOUIS PAGEANT HELD By Marianne Peri Sack    The St. Louis Columbus Day Corporation held its 33rd Miss Italian St. Louis Pageant on Sunday, August 14, at Baldo’s Restaurant on Hampton.  The judges selected Rachel Perron as Miss Italian St. Louis and Andrea Travaglini as Maid of Honor.  The young ladies that were contestants all had great poise and were articulate in both their essays and oral answers particularly for their age.    Miss Italian St. Louis, Rachel Perron, 17, is a student at Visitation Academy where her school activities include field hockey, racquetball, soccer and youth in government.  She is a volunteer at a Special School District.  Perron received a Youth in Government award as second place best attorney and attorney general, was a field hockey team captain and second team all state.  In her essay, she said, “I look at the Miss Italian St. Louis Pageant as a wonderful opportunity to not only represent the Italian people, but also to hopefully meet new people, and help me to form a closer tie with the community.”  Perron is the daughter of Marty and Maria Perron and the granddaughter of Vincent and Lena Vitale and Louis and Teresa Perron.    Maid of Honor, Andrea Travaglini, 17, is a student at Ursuline Academy where her school activities include field hockey, lacrosse, dance, Junior Ring Committee member and working camps for field hockey and freshman sports.  She works as a volunteer at her church picnic and on Easter baskets and school supplies projects for Holy Trinity School. Travaglini has received the Red Award three times for maintaining a GPA of 3.7 or higher, was the Captain of field hockey team for two years and won Most Valuable Player and Leadership Award for this sport.    In her essay, she said, “I do not want the traditions and the pride of being Italian to be lost and I want the chance to promote that to the rest of St. Louis in any way I can.”  Travaglini is the daughter of Mike and Jo Travaglini and the granddaughter of Angelo and Theresa Travaglini and Anthony and Mary Jane Grasso.      The retiring Miss Italian St. Louis, Katherine Antonacci stated what a wonderful year she had representing the Italian community.  She attended various events on the Hill, was in the Thanksgiving Parade and the VP Fair Parade and was involved in a charity project that she initiated.  Antonacci said she was not ready to give it up but wished the new Miss Italian St. Louis the best of luck.      The pageant judges were Adele Gianino, Debbie Monolo, Linda Marino and Mary Michele.  The Master of Ceremonies was Pat Merlo and the Chairperson was Pauline Gianino.      The Columbus Day Corporation wishes to thank Baldo Gandolfo for the use of his facilities and Missouri Bakery and Rosciglione Bakery for their generous donation of cookies.       GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR PARC RIDGE ESTATES DEVELOPEMNT By Marianne Peri Sack    On Monday, October 17, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for what Mark Benckendorf referred to as the newest premier real estate development in St. Louis, Parc Ridge Estates.   Benckendorf and his wife Laura are owners and co-developers of the project with 36 single homes and 22 villas starting at $290,000 and located in the 5700 block of Arsenal.  The homes will be built in the turn of the century style Victorian or Georgian with multi-floor plans.  The developers had worked closely with Mayor Slay and alderman Joe Vollmer.  It was announced that 15 out of the 36 tracts for the homes had been sold.      Mayor Francis Slay stated that this was an exciting occasion in South St. Louis city in this area close to the Hill.  He said, “For the first time in 50 years people are moving into the city and not out of the city.  Here we have good transportation, infrastructure, entertainment and close-knit people….We are proud of this development and wish them the best in the future.”      Jim Garavaglia, asset manager for the city, was there for Comptroller Darlene Green and stated that this project was a validation of the renewed vitality in the City of St. Louis.  Dana Grey, president of the Southwest Gardens Neighborhood Association, stated that she was very pleased with the success of this project.        Alderman Joe Vollmer said, “ St. Louis is a big city with a small town attitude.”  He stated that he was very proud to announce that a street in the new area was to be named “Vera Court” after the wonderful mother of his long-time friend, Tom Stremlau.  Vollmer and Stremlau grew up near the development area in Jasper Park where Vera Migneco Stremlau was well known. Vera was born and raised on the Hill and moved to Jasper Park where she was very active in Holy Innocents Parish.  She volunteered for many projects and organized a variety of social functions.  She worked in City Hall in the Collector of Revenue’s Office and was a dedicated Democrat and soccer Mom.    Later she moved to the nearby Ollie Langhorst Apartments where she continued her civic activities.             The realtor is Carol Savio, owner of Savio Realty.  The company specializes in Hill properties and Southwest city properties.