For those who love Baltimore's Little Italy and all things Italian ...

STEP INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

This issue is sponsored by
LA FAMIGLIA MANNETTA and RECIPES MY NONNA TAUGHT ME

Governor Hogan meets enthusiastic crowd
at annual Little Italy ravioli dinner

The March 22 Ravioli & Spaghetti Dinner at St. Leo's was a huge success, reported Rob Daniels, St. Leo's Operations Manager, "It was twice as busy as usual - all day long." Mother Nature helped draw attendees into Little Italy by providing 60 degree weather. "People were outside waiting for their numbers to be called," said Daniels. Volunteers pre-made 12,000 ravioli and 3,500 meatballs and served a bishop, several priests and sisters, and a few politicians, including Governor Larry Hogan. Approximately 2,000 dinners were served in the hall and carry-out. The St. Leo's staff thanks all attendees plus the FANTASTIC team of dedicated volunteers. Congrats to Dino & Patty Dica, winners of the 50/50 raffle with a $888 payout!

Josie Jones-Talbot

"We had an amazing time! It's our new tradition to go to these!"

Keith Carey

"Great job! My first time there and I definitely will be back!"

Jon Grant

"It was fantastic as always!!"

Michele Maszon
"The workers were amazing."

Teresa Egbert
"The food was delicious and the people were wonderful."

volunteer Michele Petti poses with Governor Larry Hogan

Darlene Cable Kereszteny
"It was my first time to enjoy your wonderful feast. The salad dressing, sauce and ravioli were wonderful. The volunteers did an amazing job with friendly service. I'm so glad it was successful for you because it made for a delightful Sunday for me. Thank you and I wish you continued success and blessings!"

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is greeted by Sr. Theodore Baccala, SSND and
Rosie Apicella as he arrives for St. Leo's Ravioli & Spaghetti Dinner March 22.

Photo Baltimore Sun. Click image to see story online.

Blast from the Past

Vince & Lucy Pompa

circa early 1940s

photo courtesy Pompa Family

vintage photos

on our website!

Bocce League Openings

The Thursday night bocce league in Little Italy has team openings. Teams consist of 6-8 players and pay a league registration fee. Games start in May. For more info or to register a team, call Dino Basso 410.536.0886.

A reminder about the bocce courts (owned by Baltimore City and maintained by Little Italy league volunteers) - please NO PETS ALLOWED inside the court area.

bocce in Little Italy

Ready to host

an Italian student?

5-month program or full school year
available!

Hosting an international student is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to share American culture with a student from another country, as well as to experience his/her culture!

how to host a student

PASQUETTA!
An Easter Monday family event hosted by Italian Cultural Center

A day of fun, food, music, vendors and games, including sack and wheelbarrow races and an Easter Egg roll!

details

Taste of Italy Scholarship Dinner
Sunday, April 26
1 to 5 PM

5-course Italian gourmet dinner paired with
5 wines in this fundraiser for the
La Famiglia Scholarship Fund.

details

9/11 Memorial
Bus Trip to NYC

Wednesday, April 15, 2015
$75

lodge events

Learn the history of
Baltimore's Little Italy

"I'm so excited about the book. I loved growing up in 'The Neighborhood' and happy to pass along some of the memories to my family. My childhood years were happy surrounded by family, friends, and of course, St. Leo's. I'm in my 'golden years' now and know that the foundation laid then has molded me into the person I am today. They truly were the 'good old days.' Thank you for allowing me through your book to reminisce whenever I want." ~ Lorraine Culotta Murray

book events

Easter Week Schedule
thru April 5th

Don't miss St. Leo's Outdoors Stations of Cross and Street Procession through Little Italy on Good Friday - a beautiful tradition!

holy details

Oops! Missed Mass?

Did you know you can view Saint Leo's weekly bulletins online? Get notices delivered to your inbox weekly.

parish bulletins

Time to get social!
Get your ticket now.

$15

click flier to enlarge details

tickets and details

Sponsor a space

Reach Baltimore's Italian community and beyond with your business message included in this e-newsletter; only $24 an issue.

email editor

SEEKING FESTIVAL VENDORS: The festival committee of Saint Leo's invites vendors offering Italian-related products to participate in the Sat/Sun, June 6-7, 2015 Feast of Saint Anthony festival. Hours are Saturday 12 noon to 8 pm; Sunday 11am to 7pm. Booth size is 10 X 10 for a donation of $300 for both days. For more information, contact Jerry Elliott by phone 410-561-0199 or

email angelaelliott@comcast.net.

Banalita' (trivia)

Mamma mia! Fake Parmesan?

For the first time ever, in 2014, global production of fake Parmesan and Grana Padano has overtaken that of the genuine made-in-Italy. In the United States and Canada, in particular, sales of fake Italian products have overtaken real ones by almost 10 to 1.

Read the full story here>>>

Click to find activities in Little Italy at almost 30 restaurants, bakeries, bars and carryouts ... shows! events! musicians! menu specials! entertainment! charitable news!

Welcome to The Neighborhood ... Little Italy welcomes Davidus Cigars as they open their 11th location. Davidus is open for business inside the Tack Factory at 1300 Bank Street, along with Heavy Seas Alehouse, Mustang Ally's Bar Bowling Alley & Bistro, My Thai Restaurant and Piedigrotta Italian Bakery & Pastry Shop.

click to visit website

Click here to see two LI restaurants named on list of 15 Restaurants in Maryland "That Will Blow the Tastebuds Out of Your Mouth!"

ALDO's is hiring experienced servers and bussers. Apply in person after 4 pm at 306 S. High Street.

DA MIMMO is hosting a charity Trunk Show April 25 showcasing spring and summer fashions of W by Worth. Details here.

COLOMBO BANK is hiring in their Little Italy branch. Click to view details.

JOE BENNY'S "The Harrison Hero" meatball panini raised and donated $300 to the National Kidney Foundation.

Share your knowledge of the Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812 as a seasonal tour guide at the FLAG HOUSE in Little Italy. Includes paid training and a flexible schedule.

For more info email Amanda at adavis@flaghouse.org.

HEAVY SEAS ALEHOUSE is hosting a BEER BUS TOUR April 25. Click this link to view details on this epic event.

as seen on facebook ...

"My parents and family members came through Little Italy to settle in Baltimore. Since growing up three blocks from Little Italy, I had many friends who lived there; and I spent many social hours there. As I grow older, still have very fond memories of my former hangout, Little Italy! Will NEVER forget it. God bless you and lovely Little Italy." ~ MARY SELBY

" ... my mom was one of the first waitresses at Sabatino's. I can still remember the days when I was old enough to run around the neighborhood with my cousins and friends, running in the kitchen through the back way and Joe or Sabby, even Pepe the cook, making me a fat meatball sub on the heel of the bread. Still today I get my meatballs on the heel even if I have to make it. I also can remember my dad, Casper Mr. Frank always playing crap (dice) outside ... and watching the police just walking across the street like nothing going on ..." ~ DENNIS DELL'UOMO DILLOW

your email welcome