GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of February 7, 2004 Meeting

Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and President Joe Picarella 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, after which, he spoke of how some American corporations have printed the Pledge of Allegiance without “under God” because they don’t want to offend anyone. “We will leave God in our Pledge of Allegiance,” the president declared. “If any of you feel different about it then you don’t say it.” Roger Pisarra also spoke in agreement with Picarella.

Upon entering the meeting, each member was asked to sign a release form because a documentary about Sal Pacino was being filmed. Roberta Pacino said that they are shooting a documentary about her father called “Don’t Make Me Laugh” and wanted to include the Grandsons of Italy in America in it. Her husband Mark Richman and she own “Quarter to Three Films,” the company shooting the documentary. Their son, Chad, was the soundman and Roberta and Mark operated the cameras.

Chris Lanieri motioned to accept the minutes for Jan. 17. Duke Sella seconded it. The motion carried.

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

Treas. di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Jan. 17th meeting were: Luncheon, $396, and non-eaters, $10 for a total of $406. Luncheon expenses were $384 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $17. Other incomes were: 50/50 winnings, $33; Shirts, $25, and Dues, $270. Balance is $3086.56. Joe Buondelmonte motioned to accept. Jimmy D’Arrigo seconded it. The motion carried.

Sec. Bill Poleri announced that members who were delinquent in their dues are supposed to be dropped from the club this meeting. He asked for a motion to extend it one more meeting. Steve Loyacano motioned to extend the disqualifications one more meeting. Vinny Raso seconded it. John Murgo felt that there shouldn’t be any extension. He said “tough.” Pres. Picarella also questioned the extension saying they had since October to pay their dues. He asked: “How lenient are we going to be?” Chicky Russo offered to make a donation toward anyone’s dues “to keep the family together.” The motion carried.

The treasurer urged the delinquent members to mail their $35 check for the dues to him at P.O. Box 2028, Toluca Lake CA 91610-0028. Checks are to be made out to G.O.I.I.A.

NEW BUSINESS: Vinny Raso thanked all those members who called to wish him well or sent get him a get well card. He said that’s “true brother ship.”

OLD BUSINESS: Leo Matranga reported that the committee looking into doing something for the forgotten old folks wants to know how many would accept the proposition that each member would be responsible in bringing one elderly person, whether he or she is a shut in, a relative or just lonely, to a lunch or dinner. This question led to an hour long debate.

Loyacano thought it was a good idea. He said that if we don’t have someone to bring the committee would have someone for you to bring and you pay for yourself and the guest with the club hosting the event. Murgo felt it was the club’s function to pay for the guest. Pres. Picarella agreed saying that members shouldn’t have to pay for the guests. Chicky Russo motioned to have the club pay for it. Mike Ardizone seconded it, adding that we spent too much time on it. Tom Ray said that with all those Cadillac and sports cars out in the parking lot paying for it shouldn’t be a question.

Al Molinaro asked where do we find these old folks? Murgo mentioned a home that he knows about, as well as homes that Matranga, D’Arrigo and Mike Policare know. The questions, according to Murgo, are how many members will bring someone in April and how many will volunteer to pick someone up from a home. These some ones, he explained, are elderly lonely persons who have no place to go.

Lanieri brought up the liability questions, like, who’s responsible if someone gets hurt getting in and out of your car or fall while at the restaurant. Vinny Oliver, an attorney, mentioned the possibility for a lawsuit. Joe Turcillo said he didn’t join the club for any altruism purpose. He joined to have fun.

Sec. Poleri called the motion, which was to have the club pay for it. The motion carried 25 to 6.

Vito Giovannelli announced that he would open his restaurant once a month to this project with him paying for the guests’ meals.

Tony di Milo said the committee should designate the elders, 10 or 12; and we can pick them up. (It was pointed out after the meeting that most nursing homes have their own transportation.) Pres. Picarella asked why we couldn’t make someone happy?

Russo motioned to finalize the details at the next meeting. Sella seconded it. The motion carried. Sec. Poleri declared the discussion closed for the day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Raso reported that his wife, Karen, is holding a recital of her students at the end of the month and he invited all of us to attend. He will have more details at the next meeting.

Pres. Picarella again reminded all that last year he decreed that the club will honor Mickey Grasso with a party this year, his 90th year and that the details will be discussed at the next meeting.

Pete Rugolo has just become a grandfather this past week.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Addition to the Phone Directory:

Michael P. Barrett

10580 Deerfield Drive

Alta Loma CA 91701

(909) 969-8326

dopey6965@msn.com