By Bob Sagona
The idea of a new location for the Bocce Club began in September, 1991 when as a Board member, I drove to Memphis with Sandro Pieri, Club President to meet with members of the Memphis Bocce Club. While in Memphis, we had an opportunity to see the operation of their club. We liked the idea that they took a warehouse type building, built four courts and provided a small area for socializing.
On our way back, I mentioned to Sandro that that we should try to find a building similar to theirs so that we could have a place for all Italian organizations to meet in order to keep our Italian heritage alive.
As things happen, about six months later I attended a meeting with my wife, Ruth given by the Resolution Trust Corporation, who was trying to sell repossessed properties from failed savings and loan associations. There we found a warehouse located in a very desirable area of Metairie. My wife suggested that it would make a great Bocce Club and possible meeting place.
I met with Sandro and others in the Club, and we formulated a plan to raise money and make an offer on the building. Our first offer was turned down, but we negotiated with the RTC. They gave us and price and we counter offered. The RTC accepted our offer.
We made a great deal on the building, and we were able to raise enough money to pay cash at the closing. At that time we had only twenty members and about fourteen of us put in lots of time and energy in renovating the building. We worked most week-ends and many evenings on the building.
Today, we have a club that all of our members can be proud to come and invite friends. Please make an effort to come by and visit. Our members are usually there to greet you on Wednesday and Thursday and Sunday evenings beginning at 7pm. Our address is 2340 Severn Avenue, Metairie, LA 70001. Call us at (504) 838-7123.