GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of August 16, 2003 Meeting

President Joe Picarella called the meeting to order and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased and ailing brothers and those in the services. Pres. Picarella then gave a prayer of thanks. He called on Vinny Raso to speak on the Day of Assumption, which was the prior day. Raso explained that the Italians, especially the Sicilians, recognize the Virgin Mary as a principal object of worship. The Sicilian culture honors the Madonna in different ways and he is proud of this heritage.

Leo Matranga reported that Greg Holzer is in the USC Medical Center Hospital. He had the second operation on his left leg for the removal of the excess fat. Picarella said that Holzer told him that the doctors cut out a slab of meat and now he can feel the bone in his leg. After his left leg heals, Holzer will have the right leg done. The president also announced that the problem Holzer had at the last meeting has been resolved.

Carmine Marinelli motioned to accept the minutes for August 2. T. Anthony Garriga seconded it. The motion carried.

The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Sec. Poleri reported Carmine Baffo is in the San. Gabriel Hospital where he had surgery on the prostate and 23 stones removed from the bladder. Poleri also asked if anyone was interested in buying a 2000 four-door Saturn with 30,000 miles.

Sec. Poleri also gave the financial report for Treas. Tony di Milo, who was attending a funeral. Incomes from August 2nd meeting were: Luncheon, $235, and non-eaters, $10 for a total of $245. Luncheon expenses were $300 and gratuities, $5 for a loss of $60. Other income was 50/50 winnings, $27. Balance is $4021.88. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Chris D’Arrigo seconded it. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS – Poleri announced that the annual man-of-the-year dinner is being planned for September 14 or 28. He reported that di Milo is in discussions with Charlie’s G and once everything is confirmed will announce the date.

Poleri also reported that di Milo is waiting for a confirmation of Oct. 12 as the date for the picnic, which will be held at Crestwood Hill Park, Brentwood.

Sec. Poleri reminded all that elections are Oct. 4 and all positions are open. Anyone interested in running for a position to get his name in by Sept. 6, the day for nominations.

Roger Pisarra announced that the shirts and hats were in his car and could be picked up after the meeting.

At this time, Treas. di Milo arrived at the meeting.

Vinny Raso announced that he and his wife Karen appeared on Style Court on the Style Channel prior to their July 4th wedding. Karen’s niece felt they should wear a more traditional outfit then the red, white and blue jump suits that her aunt made for the wedding. The niece refused to wear the red, white and blue flower girl outfit her aunt made for her. The three jurors felt that Vinny and Karen were fun and their outfits were adorable and they should wear what they want. The judge agreed with the jury and found Vinny and Karen not guilty. The judge ordered the niece to wear the outfit her aunt made and gave her a red, white and blue tiara to wear at the ceremony.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 6 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the September 20th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Changes and addition to the phone directory:

Dale T. Tedesco

16020 Lahey St.

Granada Hills CA 91344

(818) 360 7239

Joseph L. Picarella

7130 Glade Ave. Unit I

Canoga Park CA 91304

(818) 883-9560