GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of May 15, 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.

Jimmy D’Arrigo motioned to accept the minutes for May 1. Larry Mascari seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri reminded all that there is no meeting the first Saturday in July due to the July 4th holiday.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from May 1st meeting were Luncheon, $348, and non-eaters, $10 for a total of $358. Luncheon expenses were $329 and gratuities $5, for a gain of $24. Other incomes were 50/50 winnings, $30; Donations, $100 from Tonia Caruso in memory of Anthony Caruso and $82.50 from Bernardo Collura, and Dues, $113. Expense was $17.50, an over payment of dues. Balance is $3587.97. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Duke Sella seconded it. The motion carried.

di Milo thanked Mrs. Caruso and Collura for their donations. He suggested members should call Tonia and thank her. Steve Loyacano motioned we send her a thank you note with the signatures of members and flowers. Burr Middleton seconded it. The motion was defeated. Loyacano suggested he write a short thank you note on club stationery and signed by all. This idea was agreed upon.

NEW BUSINESS- The treasurer announced June 27, a Sunday afternoon, as the date for the Man-of-the-Year Dinner and a 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. He urged all to make reservations As Soon As Possible. A letter will be mailed to each member listing the cost, menu and other details.

John Murgo said he didn’t like the food served at the last event we had at Charlie G’s. di Milo suggested sending it back. Loyacano agreed with Murgo. di Milo said he will talk to the restaurant about its’ food. He also said the cost would be around $35. The treasurer again stressed the importance of making reservations and paying up front.

Mike Policare suggested a dateline and those who miss it, don’t come. The treasurer explained that that is what is done now and if a person paid up front and doesn’t show, he doesn’t get a rebate. Leo Matranga chastised everyone for making fun of everything and gave a speech on the hard work the treasurer does for the club. "He needs to know if people are coming to the event," Matranga stressed. Loyacano motioned we put in RSVP returned stamped postcard in each letter. Ronnie La Barbera seconded it. Sec. Poleri quickly pointed out that he sends out postcards for every meeting and letters for every event and sure as hell he isn’t sending anything extra out. Poleri explained that members are asked to call in their reservations and to mail in their checks. The problem is, he added, members make reservations but don’t send in any money. The motion was defeated.

Vito Giovannelli asked how is the man-of-the-year chosen. Sec. Poleri explained by a committee of past man-of-the-year recipients.

Policare asked if the club’s membership emergency loan fund program was still in effect. Sec. Poleri said it was and asked Vinny Raso to read the rules for borrowing money from the club. The rules are 1. The borrower shall be a member in good standing; 2. The maximum amount of the loan shall be the sum of $250; 3. The determination of whether or not the loan is for emergency purposes shall be decided by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, whose decision shall be final and not subject to appeal; 4. The loan shall be due and payable within 60 days and no extension of time to pay shall be granted without the majority approval of the membership at its regular meeting; 5. No loan shall be approved by the Board of Directors unless another member in good standing co-signs for the loan and agrees to retire the loan in full within 60 days if the borrowing member is unable or unwilling to do so; 6, At no time shall there be more than four loans outstanding at any time; 7. No interest shall be charged; 8. Neither the borrower of the co-signers shall be disclosed to the membership unless both the borrower and the co-signer default.

OLD BUSINESS: di Milo announced Brother Roger Pisarra is still scheduled to have heart surgery, which has been delayed by the insurance company. The question came up about sending flowers to those in the hospital. Pres. Picarella named Policare in charge of the get well committee. Policare accepted but asked for some parameters. Pres. Picarella said the will meet with Policare with instructions.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Brother Jimmy D’Arrigo and his wife will leave Monday for a visit to Sicily.

Pres. Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on June 1 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the June 19th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Addition to the Phone Directory:

Bobby Succuro

333 S. Doheny Drive

Los Angeles CA 90048

(310) 849-4101 (H)

(310) 994-2635 (B)

mcmjlla@earthlink.net

ADDENDUM: Jimmy D’Arrigo read a letter of thanks from Rev. Robert Gallagher of St. Charles Borromeo Church to the Grandsons of Italy in America for its $50 donation, which G.O.I.I.A. made in appreciation for the use of St. Charles’ Community Hall. The letter also praised the club for the luncheon it held for homebound seniors.

"I was happy to hear from many in attendance at the luncheon on April 3, 2004 just how much fun the event was. It was great of you to reach out to those in our community who are mostly homebound, and have such a nice afternoon for them. We are happy to have you use the Parish Hall for these kinds of events, " Fr. Gallagher wrote.