GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of December 6, 2003 Meeting

GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of December 6, 2003 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order. President Joe Picarella led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased, ailing brothers and those in the services. Pres. Picarella then gave a prayer of thanks.

Sec. Bill Poleri asked for a big hand of thanks for Pres. Picarella, who treated all the attending members to lunch. Picarella said the lunches were in lieu of Christmas cards.

Jimmy D'Arrigo motioned to accept the minutes for Nov. 15. Carmine Marinelli seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Sec. Poleri reminded all that the next meeting would be on Jan. 17, 2004, the Handicapped Children's Christmas Party will be on Dec. 20, party volunteers to see Tony di Milo and those who are working the party not to park in the restaurant lot but else where since the lot is used for the handicapped children.

Treas. di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Nov. 15th meeting were: Luncheon, $336, and non-eaters, $10 for a total of $346. Luncheon expenses were $323 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $18. Other incomes were: 50/50 winnings, $27; Vito Giovannelli's 50/50 winnings, $28; Shirts and Caps, $60, and Dues, $315. Other expense was Postage, $54. Balance is $4041.23. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Duke Sella seconded it. The motion carried.

He reminded members that the $35 dues are due. He urged them to mail their check to him at P.O. Box 2028, Toluca Lake CA 91610-0028. Checks are to be made out to G.O.I.I.A.

OLD BUSINESS: The treasurer explained that this year's Children's Party would cost 50 per cent of the club's balance. Some of the estimated cost will include: Food and Service, $700; $50 donations to four needy families, $200; Face-Painting Artist, $100; Toys, $400; Films, $125; Santa's Costume, $75, and etc. He asked for contributions from members. He said Steve Loyacano has just made a donation.

John Murgo questioned the need for donations since we are a charitable organization. Sec. Poleri explained that we are mainly a social group with charitable causes. "We don't have a 501 C-3, which is a charitable organization. We could only get a 501 C-4, which is a social organization." Poleri added that we also made a donation to the Cooley Foundation, which fights Mediterranean anemia. He explained the differences between before and now are the old owners donated the food and let our members work as waiters, bus boys and kitchen help and the present owner doesn't.

NEW BUSINESS: Pres. Picarella was asked about the new seating arrangements, in which he replied that he wasn't too enthusiastic about it. Murgo asked about finding a new place. Poleri said the club welcomes any suggestions but the place must have ample parking

Dax Litto requested that the restaurant have garlic bread, pizza or hors d'oeuvre set out before the meeting. He then put it in a motion. Marco Garriga seconded it. Vice Pres. Steve Loyacano said it would cost us extra and went on to explain what he was told by one member, who owns a restaurant. The member said that his place couldn't put out a spread like we get here at the price we're now paying. Pres. Picarella agrees that it would cost us more. Treas. di Milo said that he would talk to the owner about this idea, adding that there was no need for a motion. Litto and Garriga withdrew the motion and second.

Litto then mentioned that he and associates area starting up a company to work in the movie biz and if any one was interested to have his firm sign them up to see him.

Frank (Cheech) La Marca proposed that we have a suggestion box so members can put in their ideas. Sec. Poleri quickly nixed the idea, saying that it would be too much work for the secretary and when he leaves La Marca can propose the idea again.

Greg Holzer suggested that next year we hold a Christmas Party for ourselves and invite our wives and honeys. Poleri agreed that it was a good idea and suggested naming him chairman, who will look into finding a place to hold it and its cost and report to the club by summer. Pres. Picarella agreed with Poleri and named Holzer chairman, who accepted.

Pres. Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2004 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the February 7th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Additions and Changes to the Phone Directory:

Marco Garriga and T. Anthony Garriga

4462 Murietta Ave.

Sherman Oaks CA 91423

(818) 501-0137

garrigatribe@yahoo.com

Vito Giovannelli's Cell Phone - (818) 421-9371