GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of March 6, 2004 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order. Vice President Steve Loyacano filling in for the absented Pres. 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.

Vinny Oliver motioned to accept the minutes for Feb. 21. Holzer 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 Feb. 21st meeting were: Luncheon, $312, and non-eaters, $15 for a total of $327. Luncheon expenses were $301 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $21. Other incomes were 50/50 winnings, $24, and Dues, $105. Balance is $3521.73. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Duke Sella seconded it. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: Vice President Loyacano spoke about the upcoming project for elderly shut-ins, scheduled on Saturday, April 3. He said we need everyone's help if the club is going to pull it off successfully. Mike Policare, chairman of the project committee, was also not in attendance. Several members who were absented the past few meetings didn't know anything about the project. Loyacano explained that the club would host a luncheon for 25 seniors who are mostly shut-ins. The event will be held at St. Charles Church's Hall, North Hollywood. Twenty-five volunteers will be needed. The club would like to have one volunteer per senior. John Murgo reported that we now have 12 or more volunteers. Vince Brocato said he would volunteer and wanted to know who to call.

Sec. Bill Poleri explained that those who want to volunteer should call Chairman Policare at (818) 762-9020. Poleri added that all this information is on the meeting reminder postcards. He asked how many members had read their postcards. Everyone replied with "I just look at the date." Poleri asked why he should go to the trouble of making out the postcards? And, why not just go back to the old cards with just the date stamped on it? He didn't get any answers.

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 - Vice Pres. Loyacano paid homage to Composer, Arranger and Musician Pete Rugolo. He spoke of how glad he was to join G.O.I.I.A. when at his first meeting he was introduced to Brother Rugolo. Loyacano, who is also a musican, writer and director, explained that Rugolo was his idol. He said Rugolo was the brains and heart behind Stan Kenton music and wrote and arranged for all, including scoring many movies. Rugolo was given a large ovation. The vice president commented that we had a lot of talented members, although we recently lost a great one in Anthony Caruso.

Treas. di Milo added that there are other members who do interesting things. He said that Brother Chris Lanieri flies jet airliners. Lanieri explained that he had flown part time, but worked mainly in the motion picture industry, from which he retired. He is also an electrician and painter.

Vice Pres. Loyacano adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Mar. 20 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the Apr. 17th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri