Message from Casa Italia Chairman
Dear Friends of Casa Italia,
We have met with Stone Park Mayor Mazzulla and other representatives of The Village of Stone Park and we are excited to announce the completed purchase of the real estate property formerly owned by the Fathers of St. Charles, commonly known as Missionaries of St. Charles-Scalabrinians, Province of St. John the Baptist. As you are aware, this property is also home to Casa Italia and the Italian Cultural Center.
The Casa Italia Board of Directors and the Village of Stone Park are committed to a cooperative effort allowing Casa Italia to continue its mission of fostering Italian heritage and culture at that location. Casa Italia operations will stay in place with as little disruption to established events and initiatives as possible.
In fact, the Village intends to provide assistance and relief to Casa Italia by assuming much needed
repairs to the structural integrity of the original Italian Cultural Center building which pre-dates the official formation of Stone Park as a municipality. This building has historical and emotional value to both the Italian-American community and the Village of Stone Park.
To quote Mayor Mazzulla, “Personally, as an Italian-American and professionally as the Mayor, I am dedicated to see it preserved.”
Going forward:
• Casa Italia will be the exclusive tenant of the original Italian Cultural Center building.
• Casa Italia will be able to continue to host cultural and educational events such as the Feast
of San Francesco di Paola and the annual Kids Summer Camp as well as the many other
religious and cultural festivals that have historically been on the grounds of Casa Italia.
• The Pavilion will remain in place, subject to some improvements to be made by the Village.
• Casa Italia will have access to the “Community Center” (Chandelier Room) without change
through December 31, 2024 and with a reservation in advance made with the Village after
January 1, 2025.
• Casa Italia will have the autonomy and flexibility to improve, rehabilitate and remodel the
interior of the original Italian Cultural Center to suit its ongoing needs.
• Italian-American organizations may continue to host their monthly meetings at either Casa
Italia or the Community Center, pending availability.
• Most importantly, the community may continue to call Casa Italia its home for Italian
Cultural activities.
As plans for the entire project become finalized, we will continue to keep the community informed.
I, and our Board of Directors sincerely thank you for the past support and for your love and concern
for our Italian American Community and the future of Casa Italia. We are growing and look forward to seeing you at an event, The Italian Cultural Center Library or enjoying the green grass of Casa Italia!
Sincerely,
Ron Onesti, Chairman, Casa Italia
_____________________________________________________
 |
 |
|
Casa Italia 3800 Division Street Stone Park, IL 60165 Phone: 708.345.5933 |
Italian Cultural Center 1621 N. 39th Ave. Stone Park, IL 60165 Phone: 708.345.5933 |