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Articles by Valeri DeCastris
Keeping Rockford's historic areas thriving is worth the work | Letter Original
The Ethnic Village Neighborhood Organization is grateful to Ald. Gabrielle Torina and the City of Rockford’s Public Works Department for working with Commonwealth Edison to grant a long-time wish of our Corbin Street residents for a new streetlight on their street. Ever since the historic Maria’s Café closed, the nearby vicinity has been less bright and lively, so this is a very welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Rockford, Ferentino pact marks 20 years
A delegation from Ferentino visits Rockford More than a century of close ties binds Rockford, Illinois, and Ferentino, Italy. That bond was made official when they became Sister Cities two decades ago. State, city and county proclamations have recognized this milestone. Mayors Larry Morrissey of Rockford and Piergianni Fiorletta of Ferentino signed the official Sister City documents in May 2006.
Thank you to donors to Rockford's Ethnic Village | Letter
Valeri DeCastris Special to the Rockford Register Star Dec. 12, 2025, 4:02 a.m. CT We in the Ethnic Village Neighborhood Organization are grateful to Jose Medrano Sr. of Medrano Landscaping for his ongoing support of our long-time beautification efforts in the Ethnic Village. Recently, he and his crew were kind enough to plant new fir trees in planters along the Winnebago Street bridge.
Weekend Sounds: March 29-31
BRADENTON — It's another weekend, and you know what that means. If you guessed another great lineup of local, talented musicians in Manatee, Sarasota, and surrounding counties, you would be correct. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch at your favorite venues.
Epicurean Cuisine Amid Perfect Ambience at Calida Kitchen & Wine
Posted Thursday, March 28, 2024 2:54 pm ST PETERSBURG — In search of a new restaurant near my girlfriend’s house in downtown St. Petersburg, I happened upon a tiny spot called Calida Kitchen & Wine. The discovery would prove quite invaluable. Securing a reservation at Calida can be a feat in itself. The intimate setting, accommodating scarcely 30 patrons if you include a few seats at the cozy bar, adds to its exclusivity.
These were the biggest sources of stress for Americans last year
Stress levels are rising in America. A full quarter of adults in the United States reported high levels of stress in 2023, up from 19% in 2019, according to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in August 2023. The four-year shift is hardly surprising, considering the shutdowns, social distancing, uncertainty, economic fallout, canceled vacations, and 24/7 remote-work culture Americans were plunged into during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
Important facts about lupus: 4 ways to protect your kidney health
(BPT) - Living with lupus for over 15 years has meant dealing with some very uncomfortable moments for Grammy award-winning singer Toni Braxton. But according to Toni, the discomfort is worth it to manage her kidney health and prevent life-threatening complications from lupus. "Getting routine tests is not my favorite thing," Toni acknowledges.
Hands Across the Sand to Protest Loss of Home Rule on AMI
Hands Across the Sand will hold a demonstration on Manatee Public Beach, north of the entrance, on April 13 at 3:00 p.m. Look for our white tent. Our beautiful island cities are under attack by lawmakers who want to usurp local control. Send the message that residents and visitors love AMI the way it is. Insist on keeping the three Anna Maria Island cities intact.
Some Florida mayors are getting testy about a contentious vacation rental bill
Pinellas County Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie gave a brief presentation about a controversial vacation rental bill when he went before a group of mayors, vice mayors and other elected officials in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday. He was immediately challenged by Redington Beach Mayor David Will, who said the legislation removes the ability of residents in his city to have any discussion about how to regulate short-term vacation rentals.
Permanent Plaque Pays Homage to Dr. Mary Fulford Green at Cortez Cultural Center
It was a beautiful day on the Suncoast when a crowd gathered at the Cortez Cultural Center on March 16, 2024, to honor the late Dr. Mary Frances Fulford Green at the unveiling of a plaque erected there in her honor. The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) board of directors designed and approved the plaque that was placed on the Center in recognition of Mary’s tireless efforts to preserve the culture and history of Cortez Village.
Big Picture Manatee: Part 2 with TBT's Mitch Maley
Big Picture Manatee: Part 2 with TBT's Mitch Maley Posted Thursday, March 28, 2024 10:30 am In part 2 of our discussion on the highly controversial Musgrave Property, we are joined by Mitch Maley from The Bradenton Times to dive deeper into this complex issue. If you haven’t seen part 1, find it here. VIDEO
The FDA doesn't test dietary supplements before they hit the shelves. Here's what you need to know. - The Bradenton Times
If you take melatonin when you are struggling to get to sleep, vitamin D to help maintain healthy bones, or fish oil to help prevent heart disease, you are among over half of U.S. adults over the age of 20 who reported using dietary supplements, according to 2017-2018 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Outlet Mall Shooter Convicted of 2nd Degree Attempted Murder
MANATEE COUNTY — On Wednesday, State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced that his office had secured a conviction in a 2022 shooting at the Ellenton Outlet Mall. Octavio Banos was convicted of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 24 Years, previously found delinquent. According to the investigation, the victim was shopping at the Ellenton Outlet Mall with friends when Banos began taunting and antagonizing the victim to fight.
Self Care Fair to Raise Awareness About Mental Health
The community is invited to a Self-Care Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at Girl Scout Camp Honi Honta in Bradenton. The family-friendly event will feature a variety of hands-on activities focused on health and wellness for all ages. Activities will include arts and crafts, games, yoga sessions, parent resources, and more. Additionally, there will be pet therapy dogs and light and healthy snacks available.
Rockford association honors several local luminaries
The Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) held its annual Italian Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Award Dinner on Oct. 14 at the Venetian Club in Rockford. Fr. James Ciamataro and Frank Valentine were inducted into the Hall of Fame, Bove’s Auto and Truck Repair received a Special Recognition Award for Business, and Dan Appino received a Special Recognition Award for Sports. The awardees were also recognized at the annual Columbus Day Mass on Oct.
My View: Italian Americans get official city apology from New Orleans
By Valeri DeCastris Friday Aug 2, 2019 at 3:08 PM Aug 2, 2019 at 3:09 PM On April 12, 2019, a very important gesture was extended to Italian Americans, particularly Sicilian Americans, by the major of New Orleans. Condemning anti-immigrant violence, Mayor LaToya Cantrell formally apologized for the lynching of 11 Italian immigrants there in 1891, the largest mass lynching in U.S. history.
My View: St. Ambrogio Club marks 100 vibrant years in south Rockford
By Valeri DeCastris Rockford’s social clubs provided its early immigrants with social and financial support and a way to preserve Old World customs in an often-unwelcoming New World. And many still thrive here today.
My View: Hounding the Rock and Roll Hame of Fame
Rock musician Steve Miller and I apparently share a disdain for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - at least I did until April 8 that is, when it finally inducted Cheap Trick into its prestigious group, an honor way overdue for our hometown heroes.In my eyes, the Hall of Fame organization redeemed itself, at least momentarily, by recognizing Cheap Trick, which has been eligible for the award since 2003.Miller famously trashed the Hall of Fame process and organizers before and during the
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