Looking forward to margarita night and Christmas with Philly Pops

By Barbara Ann Zippi

Writing this column in 2016 has given me the opportunity to see how the Italian-American community is involved in making America great. Arriving as immigrants in the early 1900s, our ancestors labored hard, walked on foot over bridges, and showed patriotism for their new country by serving from World War II until today.

October was a record breaker for events highlighting Italian culture and thanks to the Italian Consulate and their www.CiaoPhiladelphia.com campaign, our heritage was visible more than ever. Join Ciao Bella Living Italian Style in adding your event to be part of their 2017 promotion.

Know a family of multiples? The Delaware Valley Families of Multiples Club is not just for mothers, but for all families of multiples. Whether you’re a mother, father, grandparent, adoptive parent, or anyone else who is responsible for rearing twins, triplets, quads, or more, they welcome you. My niece and active club member, Marianne Zippi Johnston, mother of twins plus two more, loves the support, activities and money-saving opportunities from networking with this group. MultipliCity is hosting a margarita night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Sweet Taco on West Sproul Road in Springfield, Pa. They serve all of Delaware County and anyone else in the surrounding area that chooses to join them.

Marc Lucca is new president of Aqua Pennsylvania.

Bravo! Italian-American Marc Lucca was recently promoted to president of Aqua America’s Pennsylvania subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, which provides drinking water and wastewater service to 1.4 million people in 32 counties throughout the state. Lucca, previously vice president, has been with Aqua Pennsylvania since 2007 and brings more than 25 years of water and wastewater operations and management experience to his new role.

Have you heard of a selfless act or experienced a selfless sacrifice? Tell the Chapel of the Four Chaplains at the Navy Yard your story. With a March 31 deadline, their National Student Scholarship Competition is for grades five through 12. This year’s topic, “Selfless Service — What Does it Mean to You?” is focused on the commitment to others and the sacrifice that people make every day. Applicants can creatively express their entry through art, photography, an essay, or a YouTube video. For details visit www.FourChaplains.org. Winners will  be announced April 28.

Congratulations to SAG actress and Al Alberts alumna Sandee Bengel. She was honored to be asked to sing the National Anthem at the 2016 Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.

“Grazie!” to chef Tony of D’Angelo’s Italiano Restaurant and Lounge in Rittenhouse Square. He shared his Italian specialties and rooftop herb garden with lady friends, restaurateur Margaret Kuo, Jane Garrison and Alice Strine.

Vocalist Tony DeSare will perform with the Philly Pops.

After a successful tribute to Elvis, Frank Giordano, president of The Philly Pops, promises another
spectacular, “A Philly Pops Christmas,” with conductor Michael Krajewski at The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts. In addition to two featured Italian Americans, internationally acclaimed pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare dubbed “two parts Sinatra, one part Billy Joel” and organist Peter Richard Conte, this all-new spectacular lineup of exciting musical arrangements highlights over 300 remarkable musicians and singers including the 65-piece POPS orchestra, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. The festive show is full of heartwarming delight. It just wouldn’t be Christmas in Philadelphia without this most treasured holiday musical tradition. Discounted parking passes are available from select garages. For more information, call (215) 893-999 or add a parking pass during checkout when purchasing your tickets through www.PhillyPops.com

Personally, ending a year that included hip-replacement surgery, I’d like to give a shoutout to my growing list of Italian American medical practitioners: Terri Pileggi, certified registered nurse practitioner who took the time to care and find an answer; pre-surgery dental clearance work by Dr. Anna C. Giacalone, who combines her medical skills and personal caring with her love of painting achieving the highest quality of life in both; and Dr. Robert M. Paolino, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon whose care in getting me ready included making me feel comfortable in tackling the tasks ahead, even making Sunday afternoon check-up calls. Now that’s why Paolino is part of Main Line Today’s  “Top Docs” every year.

Until next month ~ Ciao Bella!