LITTLE ITALY NEWS DECEMBER 2011 EDITION

www.littleitalytroy.org

troylittleitaly@gmail.com

The Reason For The Season

St. Marys Nativity Set
Once again, the beautiful Nativity set
which was a tradition at Christmas time
at St. Marys Church on Washington
Park is being displayed in the window of
Gene Cuozzos building at the corner of
Third and Division streets. Our thanks to
Sam Chiappone and his volunteers for
arranging the fine display which will be
available for viewing until after the New
Year and to Gene for providing the site at
his former convenience store.

3rd Annual Christmas In Little Italy

Authentic Shepherd Outfit

Opening Ceremony

Story of LaBefana

Blessing of the Ceppo

Singing Christmas Carols

Stephen Iachetta on Violin

Roasted Chestnuts on an Open Fire

2011 Christmas Tree

Victorian Hats

Letter of Thanks
Our 3rd annual Christmas in Little Italy was special this year due to Tracy Neitzel, Director
of Joseph House and the staff and tenants of the Hill Street Inn. They opened their hearts and
their home to the community. The tenants started preparing for the event by making decorations, decorating the Christmas tree and baking cookies.
Brother Philip Hira from St. Anthonys started the ceremony by blessing the Ceppo which
was made by the students of Questar and Willa Davey delighted the crowd in an authentic Italian Shepherd outfit while coming down Liberty Street hill playing the bagpipes. We then had
the lighting of the Christmas tree, sang Christmas Carols to music played by John Chupka on
his accordion and had chestnuts roasted by Jerry Favata. Rocco DeFazio read an inspiring
Italian Christmas story about why God chose Shepherd's to welcome our Lord.
We proceeded into the Inn and were treated to an array of cookies, drinks and munchies. Claire
Davis read and acted out her rendition of LaBefana the Italian Christmas Witch. Andrea Daley
was selling her handmade Victorian Stroll hats. We ended the night with a slideshow from Professor Philip DiNovo from the Italian American Heritage Association.
No event is successful without member participation. Thank You to Rocco DeFazio, Marion
Field, Michael Esposito, Jean Kreuger, Sharon Bates, David Graham, Jerry Favata, Dan and
Jenn Franklin, and Joe Popson

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Troy Little Italy

Free
Breakfast With Santa
50 Fourth Street
in the Atrium (Bingo Hall)
Sponsored by Anthony Behan

Saturday December 17, 2011

9 am till Noon
Santa arrives at 10 am for pictures
Menu: Eggs, Pancakes, Bacon, Juice, Coffee,
Pastries

South Central/Little Italy

in the News
The Record
November 28, 2001. Couple
to be part of citys progress
with new wine bar, by Katie
Nowak Roberts, photo by
Mike McMahon. Little Italy
residents Vic Christopher
and Heather LaVine recently
purchased a Second Street
property near Monument
Square and are restoring the
first level of the three story
building as a wine bar. The
two upper floors, also to be
renovated, will be apartments.
November 27, 2011. Bat
Sheas hopes to be more
than just an Irish pub, by
Andrew Beam, photo by Jeff
Couch. The commercial
space at 95 Ferry Street
which served for decades as
the Volcano Restaurant is
being converted to an
authentic Celtic pub with an
old Troy flair according to
its owner Art Fredette.
November 20, 2011. ICC
provides school supplies to
kids, by James V. Franco.
The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation
donated 150 knack sacks
filled with school supplies
and underwear and socks to
youngsters from needy families and continues to identify
people from the community
who need assistance.
November 13, 2011. A
Christmas tradition continues in Little Italy, by Mike

Esposito. Troy Treasure column announces Third Annual Christmas event in

Troys Little Italy neighborhood.
November 8, 2011.
Heartfelt dinner tradition
continues, by Katie Nowak
Roberts. St. Anthonys and
St. Josephs parishes continue the election eve dinner
first sponsored by the former
St. Marys Church in Troy.

Apartments for Rent

245 2nd St. - 3rd floor of
circa 1870 rowhouse. 1 BR,
Lv, K, Bath, great light, 2
walk in closets, w/d on site.
Walking distance of Sage,
downtown amenities. Smoke
free hse, no dogs. 625 incl.
heat + Security. Call Bernice
273-1692

Shop in Little Italy

Gift Certificates make a
great gift. Pick some up at
the following businesses:
Spirits of Troy, Red Front,
DeFazio, Allblues Sewing
& Design, Prism, Kaylas
Kitchen, Patricellis, Irish
Mist, Flavours, Mangiones.
We Remember
Celia De Maria Church, the
epitome of what has been
called the greatest generation, died November 19th a
few weeks short of her 98th
birthday. We offer our condolences to Celias daughters Marion Church Field
and Anna Vogt-Church and
to members of the DeMaria
and Church families. Celia
worked for many years in
several Troy pharmacies but
is best remembered by the
Troy community for her organizing skills as a volunteer
at St. Marys and St. Anthonys parishes as well as
the Italian Community Center and the Washington Park
Association

CANCELLED
South Troy Remembers
Katie Colasessano who
passed away October 1,
2011. She lived on Hill
Street with her sister Marion
(Bob) and Rose for 75 years.
She will be missed

December 21, 2011

Neighborhood
Watch and
Troy Little Italy
Meeting
Next Meeting
1/18/2012

Troy Little Italy