A special "thank you" and a hug are being extended to:

I want to extend a special thank you to Attorney Paul Fattibene of Southport, Connecticut, for providing me with guidance and advice.  His intelligence, wisdom, and patience have made things so much easier for me.  

Bruce Jones, Account Executive at WDRC 102.9 FM, who treated me with respect and honesty. I appreciate his friendly demeanor and for taking the time to assist me with my ad.

Laura Kittel, Operations Manager at WDRC 102.9 FM. who treated me with professionalism, radiated warmth,and for finding a cost effective way for me to advertise my website. She continues to update my website link, which is prominently displayed on WDRC FM's website. 

Terry Dore, of Boston, Massachussetts, for sharing her special Italian American memories with me in her story, "Italian American in Boston." She is an amazing person!

Pat Grosso, a friend and volunteer from Trumbull, CT who has volunteered to begin proofreading my work.

Edwin Hurdle, of New York City, who took me on a journey back to the Barbados so we can explore his traditions.. Enjoy reading, "Italian American Journey to the Barbados."

Fredrick  Russo of Hamden, CT, for opening his heart to me and who has allowed me to write his story, "Italian American Love and Devotion."

Pauline Massini, of Norwalk, CT, who has taught me an important lesson about forgiveness in her story, "Italian American Forgiveness."

Joseph Mangraviti of New Jersey, who has praised and supported my works. I met Joseph recently and he opened his heart and shared his beautiful memories with me about his life in Bologna and Sicily, Italy.

Maureen Bossone added sunshine to my day as she opened her heart and allowed me to write her story, "Italian American Sunday Mornings.

Bruno Massaro of the Bocce Club in Hamden, CT.  They made room for me at their dinner meeting on May 28th and allowed me to write their story. Check out Bruno's story, "Italian American Walk to the Garden of Love"

My friend,Dan Leone, of Brighton MA, who allowed me to write his story, "Shelves in the Cantina". He touched my heart with his fond memories of his father and the shelves which his father had built for him in their cantina.

"Mimi," of Mimi Designs of Fairfield County, CT made me laugh and smile as she shared her Sicilan memories.. Enjoy her story, "Italian American Designer"

Anthony Pellicci, owner of Pellici's restaurant in Stamford, CT for his sense of humor and  opening his heart to me when  I wrote his story, "Italian American Anthony Pellicci."

Eugene Fappiano, Vice President of the Italian American Historical Society who has been extremely helpful and kind. I am in the process of writing his story. It will be posted soon!

Thanks to Frank Luperella, President & CEO of Azzurro HD, LLC for his kindness and down to earth personality.  Please check out his story when it is posted on my site during the next couple of weeks. His heart is just full of stories and he gave me the pleasure of meeting with him at Ralph and Richie's Restaurant a few days ago.  My heart was warmed by Frank Luperella as he shows his passion for being a proud and successful Italian American.  His story will be posted during the week of October 20th.

"Italian American in Naugatuck, CT" (  a story based on an interview with Antonella DiNicola-Albi of Naugatuck, CT)

"Italian American in Stamford, CT" (a story about Jodi Morelli and her heart warming memories of her family in Stamford, CT)

Italian American Len Paoletta, (based on an interview with Len Paoletta, fthe former Mayor of Bridgeport, CT. Len's outgoing personality, and sincerity brought a smile to my face)

Italian American in Florence ( based on an interview with Michelina from Stamford, CT. Michelina is a kind, considerate, and ambitious woman, who preserves her traditions each day. To respect her privacy, she has asked me not to reveal her last name)

Italian American in Norwalk, CT (based on an interview with Dee Nagy. She is a down to earth woman, who made a difference in my life, as she shared her stories about her nonna's house)

Italian American Orchid (based on an interview with Elizabeth Martino of Philadelphia, PA) Pat and Elizabeth Martino are a precious gift in my life. I am blessed to know them, and I know that I am loved when I speak to them and visit them. I admire their strength and devotion to their family.

My  friends deserve a hug, as they accept me as I am, and have been there for me.  Christine Belchik Kay, Elaine Foley-Flanagan, Josephine Silecchia, Andrea Cretella-Schmidt, Ann Marie Laporta-Lalli, Valerie Marr, Laura Perry, Denise Fichera-Didio, Linda Martino( Elizabeth and Pat's daughter), Donna Bombino, Max Sandler, Curt Rossell, and Caryn Kaufman, Steve DeFrancesco, and Pat Grosso,

 Italian American Silvio The Black Cougar (used with the permission of Sylvio, the Black Cougar himself)

 Italian American in New York, (based on  an interview with Angie Vitaliano as we met up at Salumeria Rossi in New York)

A special thank you to Michael Ballantoni of MB Designs in Bethel, CT, for his artwork on my story, "Italian American Tribute to My Uncle."

A warm thank you to Carl  "Tuchy" Palmieri, who introduced me to authorsden, and encouraged me to post my works on this site. I will never forget that beautiful Spring day, as he handed me a free copy of his book, and wrote down the name of this site. Thanks for being such an inspiration. 

Diane Apicelli and the art department of The Hour newspaper in Norwalk, CT, for assisting me and writing such an awesome ad in April 28th's newspaper. I appreciate their talents and professionalism.

Thanks to Belinda Hinds for her beautiful art work and design on my personal cards.  The cards are perfect as I promote my website and upcoming paperback book.

A special thank you to members of Authors Den, who encouraged me every week as they read and/or reviewed my stories. This list is growing each week, too!

Frank Ventresca, who recently shared a few of his comments and quotes about growing up in an Italian family. (His quotes will appear in my upcoming book)

Thanks for supporting my work. Your words of encouragement mean alot to me: Regis Auffray, Joyce Bowling, Andre Bendavi ben-YEHU, Lois Christensen, L. Figgins, Souglful Shee G in Purple Passion, Anthony Hall, Ron Karcz, Linda Law, Edwin Hurdle, Stephanie Hilpert, Amber Moonstone, Karen Nivens, Micky Peluso, Richard Orey, Carl Palmieri, Felix Perry, George Thompson, Emile Tubiana, and Karen Lynn Vidra

The numbers keep climbing on these stories.  Please stay tuned for more upcoming stories based on interviews with Italian Americans from Fairfield County, CT, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.

Joanna