GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of March 20, 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 in the services.

Joe Buondelmonte motioned to accept the minutes for March 6. Duke Sella seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from March 6th meeting were Luncheon, $384, and non-eaters, $10 for a total of $394. Luncheon expenses were $378 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $11. Other incomes were 50/50 winnings, $32; Hats, $25, and Dues, $195. Expenses were $53.40 Postage, and $100 was returned to Giovanni La Marca due to mix up in hat purchase. Balance is $3634.30. Gary Allessandro motioned to accept. Steve Loyacano seconded it. The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS: Allessandro asked how many paid members does G.O.I.I.A. have? Sec. Bill Poleri reported that there are 94 paid members. The average attendance to the meetings is about 35, he added.

OLD BUSINESS: Mike Policare, chairman of the upcoming luncheon for elderly shut-ins committee, made his report. The luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 3, in lieu of a meeting, at St. Charles Church's Hall, corner of Moorpark and Lankershim, North Hollywood. There will be about 25 guests with 10 coming from Villa Scalabrini, who will be transported by the home and will have companions; five from Evergreen Retirement Home and 10 through the church. Volunteer drivers will be contacted a week before the event, with other volunteers arriving at the church at noon or shortly afterward, Policare explained. Other members who haven't yet volunteered and wish to do should see Policare or call him at (818) 762-9020. He stressed that no walk-in volunteers will be accepted at the hall because the cater must have an accurate count. He then proceeded to collect money from the volunteers for the event. The guests and their companions go free. Leo Matranga also reported that the guests would receive a white rose.

Policare also explained that the entertainment is under the coordination of Frankie Valentino but since he is ill, Vinny Raso will help Valentino run the program. Raso said that he wants the program to look coordinated and reported that he, his wife, Karen, and Chicky Russo will be among the performers. Russo said that there shouldn't be any lull in the program, adding: "A lull will kill it, keep it moving."

Vice Pres. Steve Loyacano said that Valentino's illness is serious and may be heart related. Matranga then updated Valentino's problems by explaining that "what they thought was the answer, wasn't, they don't know what it is." He emphasized that it isn't his heart and Frankie would welcome calls.

President Picarella said that this is a difficult project to pull off and Policare is handling it well. He asked for a big hand for Mike. The president also asked for a big hand for Joe Buondelmonte for his fine piano playing prior to the meeting. Both brothers received an ovation.

Poleri reemphasized that the event would be held in lieu of the April 3rd meeting. There will be no meeting on the first Saturday in April, only on the third Saturday, April 17.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Jimmy D'Arrigo announced a free pasta event will be held for St. Joseph's Day on Sunday from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at St. Charles Church. Loyacano said he is doing a study on different ethnic groups and asked if any member observed St. Joseph's Day by "two kids coming to your door." This was how it was noted in New Orleans when he was a kid, he explained. There weren't any positive responses.

President Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on April 17 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the May 1st meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri