L'Italo-Americano

Celebrating Italian American pride at Los Angeles City Hall Italian Heritage Month means, first of all, a month of continuous celebrations. This is a special moment when all Italian Americans feel particu- larly proud to show their her- itage and traditions, a moment when we stay together, united not just by the same flags, but also by the same passion. The month of October gives us the opportunity to experience the best of Italy, to taste its flavors and precious products, and to enjoy its art and music. Such an enthusiasm accom- panied the "Italian Spirit Awards" ceremony, held on October 17th in the John Ferraro Council Chamber of the Los Angeles City Hall. Hosted by 15th District Councilman Joe Buscaino, this annual event is an opportunity to acknowledge Italian American leading figures from the community of Southern California, who are honoured for their contribution to promot- ing Italy's reputation and rich culture in the United States. Besides recognizing the achievements of successful Italians in America, the occa- sion was also a showcase of ele- gance and established artistic traditions. A stunning perfor- mance by the L.A. Opera trans- formed the Council Chamber in a concert hall: the melody of classical music silenced and captured the audience, creating the right atmosphere to start the ceremony. The festivities began when Mr. Joe Buscaino stated that without the Italians "there wouldn't have been pizza, pasta, cars and fancy clothes" in the U.S. and expressed his grati- tude to his parents for moving here from Sicily more than half a century ago. He also said that Italy's cultural influence turned America into a better country and thanked the whole Italian American community for mak- ing all of this possible year after year. The attendees cheered and applauded during his speech. Then he introduced the guests of honor, starting from IAMLA director Marianna Gatto, who actively contributed to celebrate the Italian Heritage Month through the Taste of Italy event at the Pico House on October 11th. She thanked the members of the Council and reaffirmed how proud she is to be part of a community that promotes L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 www.italoamericano.com 4 Italian culture throughout Southern California, also invit- ing everybody to visit the Italian American Museum, slat- ed to open soon in Los Angeles. The first to be awarded dur- ing the ceremony were Mr. Ralph and Larry Cimmarusti for "Excellence in Business": the two brothers, who grew up in L.A. and graduated from Eagle Rock High and Glendale Community College, are the MARCO BRuNA sons of Italian immigrants from Bari, Puglia. Forty years ago, they started an open-fronted vegetable market in Hollywood Hills, later converted into a pop- ular Italian Deli. The company became soon franchisees of Burger King and was rated as one of the 100 largest business- es in the Country, eventually purchasing the Original Roadhouse Grill chain. Today it operates causal dining restau- rants in two States and reflects the spirit of sacrifice and hard work that Ralph and Larry were taught by their parents, whose commitment was the inspiration for Cimmarustis' business career. They also strongly con- tributed to improving public education with their time and resources, donating one million dollar to the Glendale Community College for the con- struction of a new Science Center on campus and becoming an example of engagement and responsibility. Nevertheless, business wasn't the only reason to celebrate at City Hall, because the contribu- tion of fellow Italians in the U.S. affects many different areas of everyday life. An example of this was the "Italian Spirit Award for Excellence in the Art", presented to Tony Pirozzi for his life-long commit- ment to the Italian American community. He moved to California in 1957 from his hometown and started out as a radio speaker, providing news in Italian and commenting live sport events, like the match between Italy and Brazil during the 1982 World Cup held in Spain and eventually won by the Azzurri team. Mr. Parozi, as Joe Buscaino underlined, was a pioneer in various fields, who actively promoted culture and kept his traditions alive, pre- serving his native language. "I feel very proud and honored to receive this Award, especially because I helped Italian people to become a community. Thank you, America, for what you have given to us. Viva l'Italia, viva l'America!" Parozi com- mented, moved by such recog- nition of his hard work. From left: Paula Cimmarusti, Marianna Gatto, Larry Cimmarusti, Joe Buscaino, Sheri Cimmarusti, Ralph Cimmarusti, Paul Pagnone Santuzza Seta passed away peacefully at Providence St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, California. She was born in Fuscaldo, Italy to Raffaele Seta and Emilia Sabato. A seamstress by trade, she immigrated to America in 1940 with two sis- ters Rosina and Tecla on the last ship to leave Italy for America during World War II. The fami- ly settled in Cincinnati, Ohio where in 1944 she would marry Francesco Seta, a man who hap- pened to have both her same last name and be from the same hometown in Italy. In 1948, Frank and Santuzza moved their family to Hollywood, California. In 1964 they pur- chased a home in Burbank, where she lived for the rest of her life. Her hobbies included cook- ing, crocheting, and embroidery. It gave her great joy to make baby clothing for her family, especially her grandchildren. She passed on her native lan- guage to her children, and taught her granddaughters Italian nurs- ery rhymes and idioms. Her meatballs and homemade pizza were famous in the family, and even when she could no longer cook by herself, she would sit in the kitchen and teach her grand- children how to cook. She is survived by her three children: Theresa (Mike), Anthony, Ralph (Yvonne); five granddaughters, and four great grandchildren. The family of Santuzza would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, phone calls, visits, flowers, love and support during this time. We would also like to thank the staff of Burbank Rehabilitation Center and Providence St. Joseph's Hospital for their care and support. Further, we espe- cially would like to thank Walter & Ninette Chicas, her neighbors, for their caring and support of Mom, and especially thank Mina Shadrick whose love, care and support were very much appreciated by Mom. Santuzza Seta November 1, 1914 - September 12, 2014

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