GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of December 4, 2004 Meeting

Pres. Vinny Raso 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 brothers, those that are ill, especially Mickey Grasso who is in the hospital and those in the services. Past Pres. Joe Picarella gave the prayer of thanks.

Pres. Raso asked for a big hand for Joe Picarella who is leaving for a "colder climate" and who treated the members to lunch today. Picarella received a long standing ovation.

Steve Loyacano pointed out an error is the Nov. 20 minutes. He isn’t rearranging the Notre Dame’s fight song as stated in the minutes, but has written an original song. He added that he still needs five singers. Picarella motioned to accept the corrected minutes. Jimmy D’Arrigo seconded it. The motion carried. The club’s web sight is: http://www.leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Sec. Bill Poleri said this is the last meeting of the year. The next session will be in six weeks on Jan. 15.

Treas. di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Nov. 20th meeting were Luncheon, $276, and non-eaters, $20 for a total of $296. Luncheon expenses were $300 and gratuities $27, for a loss of $31. Other income was 50/50 winnings, $22; Dues, $315, and Two $50 Christmas Party Donation (Loyocano and Ed Mazzarino, $100. Expense was Postage, $111.67. Balance is $3774.28. Vinny Oliver motioned to accept. Carmine Marinelli seconded it. The motion carried. di Milo reported that Gary D’Allessandro today donated $50 to the party, which will show up on the next report.

The treasurer reminded all that the $35 DUES ARE NOW DUE and the dues go from October to October, not the last month a member paid them.

The treasurer also said that he is still collecting donations for the party. He said that he would call the needed volunteers. Pres. Raso explained we no longer need extra volunteers to serve since the restaurant owner said his insurance policy doesn’t cover volunteer workers. Sec. Poleri added that the owner is afraid of being sued. Sec. Poleri also reminded all that the parking lot is off limits to the club volunteers because it is reserved for the kids and their families.

NEW BUSINESS: Vice Pres. Loyacano said that there is a concerted effort to get rid of Christmas. "They are calling Christmas trees Holidays trees." He blamed the ACLU and wants to write a letter for the club to the newspapers proclaiming that there will always be a Christmas. Oliver motioned that Loyacano write the letter. Norman Panto seconded it. The motion passed. Picarella said that it’s discrimination against us and we have the God given right to worship our ways. Loyacano added that it’s contrary to what this country stands for. Loyacano cited as an example of the county removal of the cross from its’ seal. "It was the missionaries who founded this area and adding that the Constitution doesn’t say anything about separation of church and state."

HEALTH THREE MINUTES: Brother/Joe Turcillo held another health question and answer mini-session. To the question of one’s cholesterol, he said that 130 reading is normal but at 250 one should be concerned. It isn’t so much of what the normal cholesterol is but the homocysteine level, which is produced by the body, is what is important. He also said that it is better to have an artery blockage of 90% than 40% because at the higher level your heart will find collaborating circulation. With the 40% blockage, pressure will build up, breaking loose plaque, which may cause a blockage in the heart.

On exercising, he recommended that one go slowly. Physical fitness of the body doesn’t mean physical fitness of the heart. "Do your exercise gradually." On high blood pressure, the pressure can buildup and back into the lungs slowing the heart beat. An enlarged heart can increase pressure pumping in the heart, which becomes ineffective. In this case they can reduce the size of the heart. On vitamins, he said all one needs is Twins Lab Daily One, which is high in the B vitamins and folic acid and low in A and D. He explained that a diuretic pill gets rid of the over volume of fluids and sodium.

Past Pres. Joe Picarella who is leaving the area spoke of the enjoyment he got from G.O.I.I.A. because we are mainly a social group. "I love it and going to miss it," he said.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Norman Panto passed around an article written in the Thousand Oaks Acorns by Michael Picarella, who is also a member of the club, how Panto spreads joy with his accordion music.

Leo Matranga donated his $40 50/50 winnings to the club.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 15th at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the Feb. 5th meeting. (Due to Sal Pacino’s funeral the meeting of the 15th was canceled to Feb. 5, which will be followed by Feb. 19th.)

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Addition to the Directory:

Robert Pecco Baker

2002 Pelham Ave.

Los Angeles CA 90025

(310) 475-9348 (H)

(310) 210-3578 (B)

(310) 712-3380 (FAX)

RPB@JMBM.com