Neighbors in the News: Inverness endodontist to lead dental society's local branch

• Dr. Joseph V. Baldassano, a practicing endodontist for 30 years, was installed as the Chicago Dental Society's (CDS) Northwest Suburban Branch director.

As Northwest Suburban Branch director, Baldassano will work with branch members to encourage engagement, recruit new members, and assist with preparations for the 2023 Midwinter meeting.

Baldassano, who has held multiple roles within CDS, holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Loyola University of Chicago and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors from the Loyola University School of Dentistry. As one of four residents accepted nationwide, he completed the Endodontic Specialty Residency Program at Indiana University School of Dentistry to earn his Specialty Certificate in Endodontics, as well as a minor in oral pathology.

Since 1992, Baldassano has run his own private practice, Baldassano Endodontics, in Inverness. In addition, he also serves as a staff endodontist at Hines Veterans Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospital. He frequently volunteers his time at Family Health Partnership Clinic located in Crystal Lake.

Established in 1864, CDS is the largest local component of the American Dental Association, with more than 4,000 members in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties.

• Frank Portera, an associate at Schaumburg-based Lavelle Law, was elected to serve on the board of directors for the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce. Portera has been active in chamber for several years.

"Frank is a great example of the commitment our attorneys and partners make to local communities," said Ted McGinn, managing partner at Lavelle Law. "Local chambers of commerce are really the heartbeat of business in the communities we serve and I am pleased to see Frank take on a leadership role in an organization as highly regarded as the Arlington Heights chamber."

In addition to his chamber involvement, Portera serves on the board of directors for Gerry's Café in Arlington Heights and is a member of the Arlington Heights zoning board of appeals.

• The Chicago Writers Association presented Christina Marrocco, Ph.D., an associate professor of English at Elgin Community College, its 2022 Book of the Year Award for Indie Fiction for her novel, "Addio, Love Monster."

"When I received the email that I had won, I was at home, and I screamed - scared my dogs and my husband," said Marrocco. "The award and book have been a source of joy for me this year. To create, in any medium, and to have worked that piece until it really becomes itself fosters lots of good feelings."

"Addio, Love Monster" was a six-year project for Marrocco, who will read from her book at the Book Cellar, 4736 N Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, on Jan. 21, alongside other category winners as part of the awards ceremony. She will also be featured on an upcoming episode of the Chicago Writers Association podcast.

The Chicago Writers Association is a creative community of Chicago area writers whose purpose is to share information, experiences and encouragement with other writers.

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