Italian American Digest DigestSpring2019RevisedFinalDraft | Page 10

PAGE 10
Sons of Italy
Honor
Outstanding
Members
by Linda Serio
The Sons of Italy had another great Christmas
party at the El Dorado Casino ballroom in 2018.
The crowd of 90 enjoyed great food and drink,
door prizes, and dancing to the music of the
Syndicate. Nick Roppolo was the big winner of the
65” smart tv donated by Vice-President Joe Fertitta.
The Joe Fertitta family was well-represented, with
CLUB NEWS
SPRING 2019
costumes for the second year in a row, making a fun
evening even more so!
The Club has returned to Ernest’s Orleans
restaurant for our 2019 meetings, and have
enjoyed feasting on New Orleans-style food at this
Shreveport institution. Chef Ernest Palmisano, Jr’s
parents opened their first Shreveport restaurant
in the 1940’s, featuring the culinary style that
Ernest’s mother Marjorie had learned at Elmwood
Plantation.
Awards were presented to some deserving
members at our February meeting. The Bishop
Charles P. Greco Humanitarian award was
Dr. Mike Acurio (center) recipient of the Bishop Charles P. Greco
Humanitarian Award, poses with President Anthony Gugliuzza (left)
and Vice-President Joe Fertitta (r).
John Manno (center), recipient of the Bishop Charles P. Greco Hu-
manitarian Award, poses with President Anthony Gugliuzza (left) and
Vice-President Joe Fertitta (right).
three generations in attendance. Board member Joe
Fertitta, Jr. and wife Patricia came in zany holiday
presented to two members this year. Based on their
selfless generosity in both the local community
as well as in our Club, businessman John Manno
Jr. and Dr. Mike Acurio each were honored. A
Meritorious Service Award was presented to Rich
Baki, who is a tireless volunteer with the Club. The
Meritorious Service Award was also presented to
Dan McGrew, who not only volunteers but makes
our lucrative raffles possible. Dan is a skilled
woodworker, and - over the past two years - has
donated a cornhole board set and a rustic settee
that were raffled at our annual fish fry. He is already
at work on this year’s work of art, and the raffle
ticket sales will begin soon!
Board Member Johnnie Estess, a Sergeant
with the Bossier Parish Sheriff ’s Office, attended
the Blue Mass in Baton Rouge recently. The mass
honoring law enforcement was officiated by Bishop
Michael Duca and concelebrated by priests of
the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Bishop Duca was
Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport prior to being
assigned to Baton Rouge last summer. He was a
great friend of the Sons of Italy and participated in
law enforcement appreciation events hosted by our
Club.
For information on the Sons of Italy Heritage Club, contact
President Anthony Gugliuzza at [phone] or Vice-
President Joseph Fertitta at [phone].
Frank S Roccaforte, AAMS®
Financial Advisor
Three generations of the Joseph Fertitta family are Sons of Italy
members. Standing are Joseph Fertitta, Jr., Robert Roy & Trinity
Adams, John & Liz Fertitta, Joseph and Mary Fertitta, and
Sam & Marilyn Fertitta. Kneeling are Maria Parr, Marjorie
Parr and Patricia Fertitta.
Italian American Digest
500 Huey P Long
Avenue
Gretna, LA 70053
504-367-4467
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC