GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of April 5, 2003 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and President Joe Picarella led the

membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our

deceased and ailing brothers.

Leo Matranga motioned to accept the minutes for March 15. Joey Dorando seconded it. The

motion carried. Sec. Bill Poleri announced that Tonia Caruso called earlier to inform us of

Anthony Caruso's death. He died on April 4. Holzer said he heard it on the radio last night. Poleri

added that the family didn't want any phone calls today, maybe tomorrow. He reported that no

funeral arrangements were announced as of yet. A telephone committee consisting of Tony di

Milo, Steve Loyacano, Leo Matranga and Poleri was formed. (See Memorial on Page 2)

Sec. Poleri reminded all that the web sight now carries the minutes, thus members can read the

minutes prior to the meetings. The web sight is:

http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treasurer di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from March 15th meeting were: Luncheon,

$312, and non-eaters, $5 for a total of $317. Luncheon expenses were $302 and gratuities, $5 for

a gain of $10. Other incomes were: The Girls' Dinner, $970; 50/50 winnings, $35, and dues, $125.

Expenses were: Mailings, $87.76; The Girls' Dinner, Charlie G's, $1770; General, $34.27;

Returned Funds, $30, and Comps, $210. The general balance is $4053.06. Ralph Ciaravino

motioned to accept. Holzer seconded it. The motion carried.

di Milo reported that the club received a thank you letter from The Girls, Rachel Piciolla and

Caroline Davis for the excellent dinner held in their honor.

NEW BUSINESS - Pres. Picarella claimed that Tony Caruso was his hero long before he knew

him. "He was the bad guy in most of his movies but a great guy in real life and a great chunk of

our meetings will be lost," Picarella said. There was a long moment of silence for Anthony

Caruso, a beloved brother. Jerry Amoroso told of how the Carusos, Tony and Tonia, came to his

performance every time he asked them.

Joseph Turcillo spoke of a book he read in 1955 that he recently reread and found it to be just as

relative today as it was when written. The book by C. S. Lewis, entitled "The Screwtape Letters,"

was written in 1941 shortly after World War II began in Europe and before the United States

entered the conflict. He said the book "is soul for the country and is profoundly funny but makes a

great impact on you - with the Italian values we inherited." Turcillo also spoke about his

upcoming lecture. See announcement below.

Anthony Rinaldi, a former member, made a pitch to the club for its members to sell tickets to the

Kowchip Bingo being sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. He explained that if the club sold more

than 300 tickets, it would receive half of the proceeds with the other half going to charity. He told

of how the club sold these tickets a few years ago and some members even attended the all-day

event at the Thunderhead Ranch. The tickets cost $5 each, but have to be sold by April 26. Poleri

asked for a motion allowing the club to sell the tickets. Loyacano made the motion and Carmine

Baffo seconded it. The motion carried by a 12 to 4 vote with one abstention.

Matranga motioned that the club buy 300. Bob Nicoletti seconded it. Matranga argued that the

club would be guaranteed $750 and have a good chance of having the winning ticket. Pres.

Picarella felt that the club should buy the tickets and have the members sell them. Treasurer di

Milo pointed out that it would cost the club $1500 and only a guarantee of getting back $750.

After some debate, Poleri called for the motion, which was for the club to buy 300 tickets. The

motion was overwhelmingly defeated.

Al Molinaro motioned that the club doesn't participate in the Kowchip lotto, thus repealing the

initial motion, and allowed individual members to buy tickets. Vinny Raso seconded it. After

another debate, the motion passed by an 11 to 4 vote with 3 abstentions. Pres. Picarella stopped

any further discussion on the subject, saying that the matter had been settled.

OLD BUSINESS - Roger Pisarra took orders for shirts. He asked if he should order extra shirts

because this is the last time he is doing shirts. The club voted no. He proposed the same question

about the caps. The club voted for him to buy 6 black, one size fits all caps.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Dr. Joseph Turcillo, Jr., announced his free Beyond 50 Health workshop

entitled: "Focus: The Art and Science of Aging," is to be held Wednesday, May 28, at Providence

Health Center -Hollywood Way, 3413 W. Pacific Ave., Conference Room 104 Burbank. For res.

call: (818) 953-4487.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on April 19 at the Villa

Sorrento, followed by the May 3rd meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri