The Herald is for you, so make your voices heard

Chef Angela Ranalli-Cicala of Cicala Restaurant and Dave Tiberi, Hall of Fame boxer, chat with Italian-American Herald publisher Rob Martinelli.

The readership of the Delaware Valley Italian American Herald speaks with many voices. In each issue  our staff and contributors strive to bring you a plate loaded with variety – from community news and photo galleries of area happenings to lifestyle features about food, wine and entertainment, plus articles about language, history, heritage, traditions and culture.

But merely reflecting the diverse voices of our readership is only part of our mission at the Herald. Our larger goal is to be a unifying force that connects the region’s Italian-American community.  One question I hear again and again from readers is, “How can I get involved and support the community while staying close to home?”

Author and former Philadelphia Inquirer reporter George Anastasia (left) and Achiever honoree Jonathan Peri, president of Manor College, enjoy the first Salute the Achievers event at the Renaissance Estate Town Homes.

With that in mind, readers will by now have noticed our monthly calendar of arts and entertainment events. This month’s calendar (page 27) has details on the West Chester Christmas Parade,  the Wildwoods Holiday Spectacular, the return of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli to Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, a landmark new exhibit of paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and much more.

Marguerite DeGrassa provides a tasting of the imported curated wines from exclusive vineyards around the world available from Vini Buoni Imports, a division of Carlino’s.

Speaking of events … the first annual IAH Salute the Achievers celebration was held Nov. 8 at Renaissance Estates of Packer Park, with hostess Barbara Capozzi. It was a great opportunity to salute the men and women who’ve been spotlighted in the newspaper’s monthly Achiever profile. The night featured food, drink, musical entertainment and an appearance by special guest author George Anastasia. IAH looks forward to  celebrating more Achievers in 2024.

Dan Brodeur of Pennsylvania Distilling Co. describes the different craft spirits to Achiever honoree Renee Patrone, owner of Party Host Helpers.

Before I go, I’m proud to announce a new addition to the IAH website for 2024: A directory of Italian-American organizations.  I encourage any and all Italian-American clubs and organizations to announce their presence and provide details about their mission and activities at www.italianamericanherald.com. I envision this directory as a service to readers and a resource for our staff so we can learn what’s happening in your community as we continue expanding the paper’s circulation, which is approaching 10,000 copies for each monthly issue.

The readership is much higher, as it’s been estimated there are at least three readers per copy on average. We have also started a twice-a-month e-newsletter, and substantially boosted online traffic.

We have an average of 1,600 unique visitors to our website each month and over 2,200 followers on our social media.

It was a great 2023, and 2024 is going to be even better.

Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo!