After 65 years, the Ladies of the Italian Society of Port Arthur have a lot to celebrate, but wanting to do more has manifested itself into something that is
a legacy of membership, their ties to each other and the direct relationship to food.
Back in the 1930’s, immigrant women gathered and shared culture and language while in a new land. The group then revitalized in the 1960’s as a more formal organization governed by a constitution and bylaws as well as a board of directors. Membership levels have varied over the years and is currently at two hundred and includes women from all walks of Italian backgrounds and ages. Members participate in a number of committees that also includes the provision of scholarships for those from Italian descent who are continuing their education. But you may know this group best for their hosting of events including the Spring Daffodil Tea, Mother’s Day celebrations, and participation in Festa Italiana.
Supporting community charities is strong in the group’s mission and most often funds are derived from making, and selling, traditional Italian food.
It would appear obvious then, that a cookbook would be the perfect cap to a celebratory year but there was nothing obvious or simple in the work the committee took on.
Members submitted approximately four hundred recipes, many that were in the original language and missing important interpretation. Some came from carefully maintained binders with names that many recognize as family members or long -time friends. A small committee of interpreters and editors painstakingly poured over the handwritten notes deciphering the recipes so that the dish may be duplicated by those that do not understand the language so well.
The leader of this small but mighty committee is Jo Ann Cappello Witiluk, who had collected cookbooks from other areas and organizations and thought that this would be a good project for the society. Imagining that it would be easy was her only mistake, beginning as an idea at a meeting in the fall of 2024, and finally publishing in 2025, her family attests that for months she would often be found carefully perusing the recipes while sitting at the dining room table.
“Using a reputable publisher was key,” says Jo Ann who selected a company that only does one thing, and that is publishing cookbooks. “They knew how to organize the recipes and included a lot of handy pages such as a glossary, conversion tables and finally replacement ideas if an ingredient is missing in your pantry.”
The cookbook includes everything from antipasti and soup courses to cakes, pastries, and cookies. I found many of my favourites and I am hopeful I can replicate the recipes as I remember them.
“We want people to have fun while they go through the book, reminding them of special days and events with family; and of course, to try the recipes out, “says Jo Ann.
Most of all committee members really emphasize that what for the original or OG ladies was a necessity, for them is a celebration of days gone by. The one thing that is the same is getting together to share culture and language, over a dining table, enjoying familiar and delicious food.
Buon Appetito, Classic and Contemporary Recipes has been highly successful and currently is in second print. Copies will be available mid March at $20.00 each. At the time of print, books are available by contacting any committee member and on site at Café Ora, Renco Foods, Maltese Grocery, George’s Market, Agostino Deli, Fresco Deli, Squitti’s, La Casa Nostra, Roosters, The Persian Man. Squitti’s Gifts and Half-Way Motors Nissan.
Online orders can be made through Lauren Ciddio at laurenciddio@hotmail.com
For more information contact Jo Ann Cappello Witiluk at joannwitiluk@hotmail.com or call (807) 628-6236
Committee members: Jo Ann Cappello Witiluk, Lois Logozzo Nuttal, Anna Marrello-Tesolin, Cindy Fanti, Irene Sottile Marian Giorgio, Tina Savioli, Mary Nucci.
