The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Delicacies, friendships highlight Italian fest
An annual Festa Italiana gathered about 500 people for authentic Italian specialties with live entertainment at Italian American Veterans Post 1 in Lorain.
But organizers said along with raising money for renovations, the annual festival gathers friends and families for conversations.
At 3 p.m. the IAV honored a woman, a man and a group for dedicated service and pride in Italian heritage.
Born in Lorain, Joan DeChiaro Wohlever was honored for her volunteering in the IAV Ladies Auxiliary since 1965 and for serving as treasurer for 24 years, as well as many other service activities. She has been a member of the IAV Post 1 Board of Directors and
treasurer of the State of Ohio Ladies Auxiliary for more than 10 years, according to a Meet the Honorees document.
John L. Gallo joined the IAV 60 years ago. After he retired from working 42 years for Moen, he worked at Bonaminio’s Flower Shop and then began bartending at IAV Post 1.
Tony Gallo, his nephew, spoke for him and said he wanted everyone to know how hard members of the post worked to keep the post open.
“It seemed like he was welcoming you into his living
room, but he was charging you for the beer,” Gallo said. “He made food and gave it away.”
Argenti Auto Body at 4381 Elyria Ave. in Lorain was honored for excellent craftsmanship, trustworthiness and generosity since beginning the business in 1962.
Enis and Bill Argenti moved in 1959 to Lorain from Uniontown, Penn.
Bill’s son, Greg Argenti, joined the business in 1981 and his grandson Dominic joined as the third generation in 2008 to ensure the future of the company, according to the award information.
“One of the best things here today is sitting down with friends to visit,” said
Greg Argenti. “That’s why it’s important that we support the IAV so our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities. The reason for success of the business is my parents and grandparents made the sacrifices and took the risks.”
Italian heritage is celebrated by all award recipients through Italian cuisine, travels to Italy, and family traditions such as Christmas gatherings.
In the kitchen, Debbie Campana coordinated for the 12th year the authentic Italian foods offered, such as Italian sausage sandwiches, penne pasta and meatballs, pasta e fagioli, pizza, Italian wedding soup, and Italian ice. The auxiliary presented homemade
baked goods.
Preparing for the event requires two weeks of shopping and preparation, and a couple of days of cooking, Campana said.
The wedding soup was made by one person, she said. But Campana created the pasta e fagioli following a trusted recipe from her grandmother.
“I love doing it,” Campana said. “I’ve been making that recipe for about 50 years. The sauce is my mother’s recipe, but I found some better tomatoes. My grandmother canned her own tomatoes. I’ve found I like San Marzano.”
Mostly Italian families attend the Festa, she said.
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