GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of June 5, 2004 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 brothers and those that are ill and in the services.

Chris Lanieri motioned to accept the minutes for May 15. Larry Mascari seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri announced that he is having computer trouble in doing the phone directory, thus he will issue one without photos in the next few weeks. He also reported there is no meeting July 3 due to the holiday.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from May 15th meeting were Luncheon, $336, and non-eaters, $30 for a total of $366. Luncheon expenses were $338 and gratuities $5, for a gain of $23. Other income was 50/50 winnings, $32. Balance is $3596.97. Duke Sella motioned to accept. Jimmy D’Arrigo seconded it. The motion carried.

HEALTH REPORT: di Milo reported Roger Pisarra has a quadruple bypass on Tuesday and he is in intensive care. He also said that Rocco Passanante is ill and asked Mickey Grasso to update the members on Passanante. Grasso said everything is wrong with Passanante. Frank Valentino is still not doing well, according to di Milo. Steve Loyacano reported that Pete Rugolo fell and is in bad shape.

OLD BUSINESS: Treasurer di Milo updated all on the Man-of-the-Year Dinner and birthday party for Mickey Grasso who will be 90 years old this year. The event will again be held at Charlie G’s Prime Steak House on Sunday, June27 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The cost will be $37 a person. He again urged all to make reservations As Soon As Possible. The check is to be made out to G.O.I.I.A. He said all were sent a letter listing the menu. He also needs to know everyone’s menu selection and guest’s first name. The treasurer also announced that the first drink would be on Pres. Picarella.

Vice Pres. Loyacano had every one sign the thank you letter to Tonia Caruso for her generous donations to the club in memory of our late brother, Anthony Caruso.

NEW BUSINESS: Sgt.-at-Arms Holzer asked about when nominations to club offices could be made. Sec. Poleri said that anyone can throw his hat in the ring at the Sept. 18th meeting and election is Oct. 16.

Poleri asked for a volunteer to take the minutes for the next four or five meetings since he will be out of town. He said the postcards will be made up before he leaves, so taking the minutes is the only thing needed to be done. After much silence, Vice Pres. Loyacano volunteered.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Treas. di Milo said he has eight free tickets to the annual Ahead With Horses’ Bar-B-Cue and Demonstration for June 13. Poleri explained that this is the group who builds up handicapped kids’ esteems and those kids are the ones who come to the club’s Christmas Party. He added that he went to the event several times and was amazed at how those kids could ride. Patsy Perriello agreed saying he’d been to it several times and it was great.

Vinny Raso said that he and his family back east have been holding dinner dances for 140 handicapped

youngsters for the past 40 years and were recently honored with a plaque. He said it would always be the Italian heritage to help others in need.

Gary D’Allessandro pointed out that this meeting is the first time in the club’s history that a woman was in attendance. New member Ginaluca Bin brought his parents to the meeting. They are visiting from Verona, Italy and don’t speak English. D’Allessandro said Bin’s mother has the honor of being the only lady to be at a meeting.

Pres. Picarella announced that this month is the 15th anniversary of the club, which started in 1989.

Pres. Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on June 19 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the July 17th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Addition to the Phone Directory:

Ginaluca Bin

15316 Del Gado Drive

Sherman Oaks CA 91403

(818) 789-6416 (H & Fax)

(818) 481-4873 (B)

gleam@sbcglobal.net