IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Gennaio 2025 THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
NUMERO 1
An Italian American Publication
The 2025 STL Pizza Passport Promises More Pizza at Half the Price as of January 1
vital role in keeping all of us fed when we were sheltered in place, really showing how important these local restaurants are to our daily lives. The introduction of the passport drove traffic to these locally-based pizza places, while raising funds, and awareness, for a deserving non-profit.” Participating restaurants are located in the St. Louis metropolitan area, which includes the City of St. Louis and surrounding counties in two states, encompassing dozens of ZIP codes, so people can sample squares (or slices) from the best purveyors of pizza from South City to Crystal City, from St. Peter’s to Waterloo and all places in between. Pizza styles vary greatly from St. Louis thin crust to woodfired Neapolitan.
A record 41 St. Louis-area restaurants have joined forces, all offering one pizza of any size or topping combination at half price starting January 1, expiring October 15. That is, for anyone who has a “2025 St. Louis Pizza Passport” in hand. The program, launched in 2020, is designed to celebrate STL’s love of pizza, while raising needed funds for an organization making an impact in the community. For $35, purchasers can enjoy one pizza at a 50% discount at all participating restaurantsany size pizza with any number and combination of toppings. And, with each passport sold, a donation will be made to Home Sweet Home, the region’s first and largest furniture bank, providing essential household items and furnishings to families in need. The goal this year is to raise more than $7,000. “What we’ve created is an awesome excuse to explore the main streets and municipalities of the region, while trying out some of the best pizza found anywhere,” said Michael Powers, Founder of the St. Louis Square Off Pizza Festival on The Hill, a beloved event that had to be reimagined due to COVID. “Pizza makers played a
Fall 2025 Italian Language Classes
Sponsored by the Italian Club of St. Louis Italian for Travelers Session 1: Tuesdays, Jan. 28, 2025–Feb. 25, 2025 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. Tuition for this 5-week class is $50. Instructor: Barbara Klein Session 2: Saturdays, May 10, 2025–June 7, 2025 | 10 a.m.–noon Tuition for this 5-week class is $50. Instructor: Barbara Klein
St. Louis, Missouri 63123
CONTINUOUS SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SINCE 1904
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Designed for those planning to travel to Italy. This course will introduce students to the fundamental vocabulary and phrases useful for basic travel needs. Beginner’s Italian 1 Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 2025–March 25, 2025 4-6 p.m. Tuition for this 8-week class is $80. Instructor: Maria Brandle Designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Italian grammar and develop basic communication skills. Emphasis is placed on basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and listening comprehension. Textbook required. Beginner’s Italian 2 Mondays, Feb. 3, 2025–March 24, 2025 6:30–8:30 p.m. Tuition for this 8-week class is $80. Instructor: Maria Brandle A continuation of Beginner’s Italian I. Textbook required. Intermediate Italian 2 Mondays, Feb. 3, 2025–March 24, 2025 4–6 p.m. Tuition for this 8-week class is $80. Instructor: Maria Brandle A continuation of Intermediate Italian 1. Textbook required. All Classes held in St. Ambrose Church Continued on page 5