GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of February 21, 2004 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 brothers and those in the services. Pres. Picarella then gave a prayer of thanks.

Sec. Bill Poleri corrected the minutes for the Jan. 17th and Feb. 7th meetings, which were missing the adjournment announcements by Pres. Picarella. Poleri reported that these omissions are another sign that he is becoming too lax to retain the post of secretary. Larry Mascari motioned to accept the minutes for Feb. 21 with the correction. Duke Sella seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. di Milo announced that he had good news and bad news. He first read the financial report. Incomes from Feb. 7th meeting were: Luncheon, $420, and non-eaters, $15 for a total of $435. Luncheon expenses were $400 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $30. Other incomes were 50/50 winnings, $46, and Dues, $255. Balance is $3417.56. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Jimmy D'Arrigo seconded it. The motion carried. This was the good news.

The bad news was that seven members would be dropped from the membership for not paying their dues. He reported that he called all of those members whose dues were in arrears and these seven indicated that they weren't too concerned about being dropped. He said he'll call one more time.

OLD BUSINESS: Mike Policare, chairman of the committee looking into doing something for the forgotten old folks, detailed the committee progress. He reported that the committee has contacted three places, Villa Cabrini, Evergreen Retirement Home and the Church. Twenty-five seniors, who are mostly shut-ins, would be able to attend a luncheon on April 3 at St. Charles Church's Hall, North Hollywood. The lunch will be buffet style and catered by a service that is familiar with catering events at the church hall. There will also be an hour and half show under the guidance of Frank Valentino. Leo Matranga said he hopes to get member Rocco Telese to do some magic tricks. There will be gifts for the guests.

The budget will be around $750, which the club will pay. Policare reported it includes a donation to the church for the hall, tips for the nonmember drivers, the food, services and cleanup, and gifts. He said the most critical part is the participation of the members as volunteers. Policare said that volunteers are needed to accompany the seniors who include both men and women. The members will pay for their own lunch. He said it would be like paying to go to the theater, movies or show.

The Villa Cabrini would transport the 10 or more seniors from its home, while the five or more from Evergreen and the 10 from the churches will need transportation. Policare explained that the committee would like a volunteer for each guest. The volunteers would help the guests with the transportation - those who need a ride and those who just need help in getting in and out of the home's van- assisting them in getting their food and sitting with them during the meal and show. Each volunteer would be designated a guest and that volunteer will be with that guest during the whole affair, Policare stressed.

Although the event is six weeks away, Policare would like the names of those who are planning to volunteer. He added that members may bring their wives as volunteers but like the members the wives luncheons will not be free. There were about a dozen volunteers.

Sec. Poleri pointed out that the event would be in lieu of the April 3rd meeting.

Pres. Picarella postponed the discussion of the 90th birthday party for Micky Grasso to the next meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Treas. di Milo announced that Amy Walker, the deaf girl who G.O.I.I.A. used to sponsor, is now attending UCLA and is on its gymnastic team. She will be seen on TV April 3.

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

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri