HILL RESIDENT WINS GRAND PRIZE By Marianne Peri Sack  Piera, of the 5600 block of Botanical Avenue, was one of the 50,000 who entered the Edy’s Grand Ice Cream Company contest in March called Two-Scoop Neighborhood Salute.  Piera wrote about the Hill.  She said in her entry,…”Our homes are modest and our lawns are immaculate.  Many of the families have been there for generations.  Some, as I do, still speak Italian.  When there is a death, or a birth, we are there, each pitching in, in our their own way. We have our garage sales together and plant flowers together.  On our streets, we have bicycle races, processions for our patron saints, and every summer a block party on Neighborhood Night Out….This is a very special community that deserves a very special ice cream.” On Saturday, September 3, the neighbors from the 5500 and 5600 blocks of Botanical Avenue shared in the success of their friend and neighbor, Piera.  The Edy’s Ice Cream Company shipped 100 scoops of ice cream, signs, a camera, tablecloths, napkins, scoops, bowls, coupons and a children’s card game.  Piera hosted her own block party and her neighbors enjoyed the delicious cold ice cream and warm friendship.         TWO UNICANS INDUCTED INTO ELITE CLUB By Marianne Peri Sack  Giuseppe Pampena and Pete Pettinato were inducted into the elite Shula’s Steakhouse 48 Ounce Club.  The steakhouse is the flagship restaurant of the PBA National Resort and Spa complex in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  The men were there for the 83rd Convention of UNICO National the end of July.  The restaurant is known for its quality steaks and has a club for those customers that really show their appreciation for their specialty  by indulging in their largest steak.  Together the men devoured 96 ounces of pure Angus beef.  Chances are that neither of them wanted to play a round of golf after their dinner.   MISERICORDIA SOCIETY HONORS PATRON SAINT IN 85TH ANNIVERSARY PROCESSION By Marianne Peri Sack  A group of immigrants from the town of Castelvetrano formed an organization in Russellville, Alabama in 1909 with the main purpose of celebrating the feast of Maria SS. della Misericordia (Our Lady of Mercy).  Later, many of them moved to St. Louis to seek their fortunes and in 1920 together with other immigrants from various towns, they founded the Societa’ di mutuo Soccorso Maria SS. della Misericordia (The Mutual Aid Society of Our Lady of Mercy.)  On Sunday, August 7, the Society carried its patron saint in procession in St. Louis for the 85th year.  Men carried the American flag, the Italian flag and even carried the original banner from 1909 in Russellville.  The flag bearers led the procession followed by the almost century-old portrait of Our Lady; the elegantly garbed Knights of Columbus; the flower bearers; and members and friends.  They marched around the Hill area and returned to St. Ambrose Church for the Mass sung in Italian.  Before Mass began, Ollie Raymand played the Ave Maria accompanied by Don Francois on the accordion.    After Mass, the group attended a luncheon at LoRusso’s Restaurant.  All proceeds from a blue ribbon attached to the Blessed Mother were donated to St. Ambrose.     UNICO NATIONAL 83RD CONVENTION HELD By Marianne Peri Sack  UNICO National held its 83rd national convention from August 3rd to August 7th at beautiful PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  On Wednesday night, the Ice Breaker dinner dance with a Margarita Ville theme was held.  The party was to be held around the outdoor pool at the complex but a threatening storm brought the event indoors.  A series of committee meetings, an award luncheon and general business meetings were held during the next few days with the convention culminating in an Inaugural Ball on Saturday night.  The new president for the next year, Anthony (Tony) Braico, was sworn in and Special awards were given.  The John Basilone Award was given to Marine Sgt. James “Eddie” Wright.  This is a new award to be given at the discretion of the president to an outstanding veteran or individual still on active duty that has demonstrated courage above and beyond the call of duty.  Marine Sgt. Wright suffered terrible wounds that caused the loss of both hands and damage to one leg.  In his second tour of duty in Iraq, on April 7, 2005, his dream of becoming a career Marine was shattered in an ambush rocket propelled grenade attack.  He remained calm, instructed members of his squad on how to apply the tourniquets to stem his bleeding and then proceeded to direct the fire which enabled his team to get out of harms way.  Earlier, his grateful country awarded him the Bronze Star for his courageous actions.  The Vastola Award, the organization’s most prestigious award for a member, was given to Charles (Chuck) Greenwald whose dedicated service spanned nearly three decades.  He served in many capacities including Chapter President, National Legal counsel and National Scholarship Director.  Other awards given at the convention included the Humanitarian Award, the William Paca Award, the Civis Illustris Award, the Vincent Lombardi Award and the Ella Grasso Literary Award.    UNICO is the country’s largest Italian service organization.  Some of its annual donations go to fund Cooley’s Anemia Research, Jimmy V’s Cancer Fund, Mental Health and Scholarships.        BOOKS AND AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL ON ITALIAN SUBJECT NEEDED The St. Ambrose Church Library needs more books and audiovisual materials for its special Italian section.  These items, dealing with Italian or Italian-American subjects, can be in English or Italian, fairly current and in good condition.  Some examples of subjects are travel, grammar, literature, novels, films, art, opera, religious, etc.  Donations are to be taken to the side door of St. Ambrose Rectory (Ring buzzer to gain access) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or brought to the residence of Dorotea Rossomanno-Phillips at 5800 Arsenal Street, Apt.BL15, 314-644-7708.  She will pick them up if you live nearby. WHAT’S  HAPPENING By Marianne Peri Sack Buon Compleanno to             Angelo Pizzo – September 10; Lisa Gandolfo –  September 10; Tony Lombardo – September 11; Carina Marino- September 13; Joe Lancia – September 16; Pat Guasto – September 16; Josephine Sheredano – September 20.   ANNIVERSARIES Norman and Kay Marzorati celebrate on September 8. GianFranco and Teresa Pizzo celebrate on September 21. BIRTHS Olivia Marie was born on July 15 to Shawn and Rob Brusatti.  The paternal grandparents are Fran and Bob Brusatti and the proud big brother is 2-year-old, Gianni Christian. GRADUATIONS Adam Steven Mahoney graduated from Seckman High School on June 2.  He is the son of Steven and Michele Mahoney and the grandson of Norman and Catherine Marzorati.  Adam is currently attending Mechanics School in Camdenton, Lake of the Ozarks.