GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of August 2, 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.

Sec. Bill Poleri thanked Jimmy D’Arrigo for filling in for him as secretary at the last meeting. D’Arrigo was given a big hand. Larry Mascari motioned to accept the minutes for July 19. Carmine Marinelli seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Sec. Poleri announced that the club’s treasurer’s birthday was yesterday and he claimed to be 39. Poleri suggested the membership should double check financial report numbers. Tony di Milo was serenaded by the group with an off key Happy Birthday.

The treasurer then read the financial report. Incomes from July 19th meeting were: Luncheon, $372, and non-eaters, $10 for a total of $382. Luncheon expenses were $351 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $26. Other incomes were 50/50 winnings, $55, and John Occhiuto’s donation of his 50/50 winnings, $55. Other expenses were board member business luncheon, $35.26, and picnic reservation, $72.50. Balance is $4107.84. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Steve Loyacano seconded it. The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS – di Milo announced that the annual dinner is being planned for the latter part of August or early September. He is going over the menu with Charlie’s G and will get back to us when everything is confirmed.

The treasurer also announced the picnic will be held in October. He put in a reservation order for Oct. 19 at Crestwood Hill Park, Brentwood and is waiting for confirmation.

Sec. Poleri reminded all that elections are Oct. 4 and all positions are open. Rocky Sportelli wants to leave the officer slate as is. Mascari pointed out that the Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer quit earlier today over the $5 non-eater fee. Vito Giovannelli and Al Molinaro both suggested that they would have put up the money if they knew what happened. Pres. Picarella felt the same way and wondered why he wasn’t called.

Treas. di Milo said that when he asked Holzer for the money, he refused to pay, got mad, threw his name-tag on the table and stamped out of the restaurant. di Milo explained that the club has to pay the restaurant for non-eaters who are entitled to coffee, soda and dessert. Leo Matranga asked the treasurer to be more diplomatic when dealing with the members. di Milo said he will call Holzer and apologize. Loyacano suggested that the vice-president, or Picarella, the president, should call Holzer and not di Milo. Near the end of the meeting, Vinny DiPaolo called Holzer and reported that Greg will be at the next meeting.

Treas. di Milo brought up an idea suggested by Charlie Gallo to pay for the lunch of a member guest who may become a member. Loyacano motioned that the any potential new member’s lunch will be comp one time only. Duke Sella seconded it. Ronnie La Barbera made three points: 1. It will be a double loss if the club pays for his lunch and he doesn’t join; 2. Is it for one, two or more guests?, and, 3. If we have to comp the man’s lunch who needs him.

Loyacano agreed with the second point and suggested that the member who was bringing guests to call

the secretary who will make sure that it’s only one guest. Marinelli and Pres. Picarella felt we should only comp the first meeting. Gallo said he proposed the idea to build up the membership, adding that he doesn’t see any new members. di Milo said we now have 92 members.

John Murgo mentioned that we tried this before and it didn’t bring in any new members. He was opposed to it. Frank Foti suggested inviting guest speakers to get members to attend the meeting. Sec. Poleri called the motion and it was defeated.

ANNOUNCEMENT – Murgo announced that Jim Roberts is sponsoring the Golden Boot Award honoring Anthony Caruso, past brother who died in April, on Aug. 8, 9 and 10. The Friday and Sunday events will cost $20 and $30 and the Saturday night’s, $300.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 16 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the September 6th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri