UPDATE 05/18/23: Zarr remembers more moments about his time at Mendel. Read his latest story here.

Rick Zarr (’71) ran into CJ Martello, who writes for Fra Noi, an Italian American heritage magazine. CJ eloquently relives fond memories of growing up in Rosleand and attending Mendel. Read his story here.

More about CJ – CJ Martello has returned to his roots as the author of “Petals from Roseland.” After five years of writing his column as a resident of Chicago’s North Side, CJ put his money where his heart is and moved to Pullman, near the Roseland area in which he grew up. Having joined the Spaghetti-Os, Veneti nel Mondo and St. Anthony of Padua Parish and being one of the founders of the Roseland Roundtable Facebook page, CJ has become reacquainted with countless friends and acquaintances from his youth. CJ is looking forward to retirement and completing the books he has put on hold, including one that will encompass as much of Roseland’s rich, beloved history as possible.