special summer events

“Growing Up in the Shadow of the Mob”

Dr. Ted Laquercia presides over this event in which the film “A Bronx Tale” (1993) is featured. The script was written by Chazz Palminteri and directed by Robert DeNiro, both of whom also star in the movie. It tells the story of a father who becomes worried when a local gangster befriends his son in the Bronx in the 1960s. Two Italo-Americans, Mr. Joe Lisi and Mr. Frank Schipani, join Dr. Laquercia in leading a group discussion of the film, during which they will speak of their personal journeys growing up under gangster and mob influences. A buffet luncheon follows featuring a delicious array of Italian food and wine, conviviality, and good conversation.

Ted Laquercia, PhD, LP, is a training and supervising analyst on the CMPS faculty where he is Director of Special Projects and serves on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Laquercia is also President of the Society of Modern Psychoanalysts.

Joe Lisi is a retired NYC Police Department Captain who commanded the 17th Precinct in Manhattan and held a 12-year position in the Narcotics Division. He has also appeared on Broadway, in films, and on television in episodes of “The Sopranos” and “Law and Order,” and in “Third Watch” as Lieutenant Swersky.

Frank Schipani is the son of a high level Mafia Boss in one of New York’s crime families. He is also founder and CEO of the Schipani Group, a professional sales training organization, and has just completed his first book on professional selling.