GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of November 16, 2002 Meeting

President Joe Picarella called the meeting to order and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. This was followed by a moment of silence for our other deceased and ailing brothers.

Marco Garriga motioned to accept the minutes for Nov. 2. Sal Pacino seconded it. It carried. Sec. Bill Poleri announced that the next meeting is in three weeks from today due to November having five Saturdays and Dec. 7 is the last one for the year. The Handicapped Children's Christmas Party is on Dec. 14 and the first meeting of next year is on Jan. 18.

Treasurer di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Nov. 2nd meeting was $492 all from the luncheon, there were no non-eaters. Luncheon expenses were $396 and gratuities, $10 for a gain of $86. Other incomes were: Dues, $350; club pin, $5; Flag Pins, $9, and 50/50, $37. Expenses included postage of $11.13, and rebate to a member, who paid his dues twice, of $25. The general balance is $5490.80. Duke Sella motioned to accept. Jimmy D'Arrigo seconded it. The motion carried.

di Milo reminded those in arrears that the $25 yearly dues are due now. He also reminded all that Vinny Raso still has some flag pins, which he is selling for $.50 with the proceeds going to the club.

He also asked if anyone wants to donate toys or make a monetary contribution to the Handicapped Children's Christmas Party. He said a few volunteers will be needed and to see him if anyone was interested. Raso said he and Karen Desmone would gladly performed Christmas carols are the party.

OLD BUSINESS: Roger Pisarra updated the club on the ordering of shirts and hats with G.O.I.I.A. logo on them. He has a category for all to see and announced that he hopes to have samples of the items at a future meeting. He explained that the shirts are 100% cotton and are of top quality. They go for $26 or $27 and will have pockets. The T-shirts will come in black or white and with or without pockets. These will cost less. All prices will include $5 for the club, which will also purchase extra shirts and hats for future members. Pres. Picarella reported that the club appreciates the research work being done by Pisarra.

Frank Sardo reported that four members had filed claims for damages caused by the 1994 earthquake with a private insurance adjuster, which Sardo is working for as a finder. He asked if any of the new members who are interested or any of those members who haven't got around to filing to see him. He announced that his 10% finder fees will be donated to the club and could come to $8000 to $10,000. He explained only persons who filed originally can file again. Those interested are to call him at (818) 348-4550.

NEW BUSINESS: Lee Pappas said he is working on a web sight for the club and asked for pictures taken at club's events, including the picnics and annual dinners. He said that he and Sec. Poleri hope to have individual pictures included in the annual phone directory.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Pres. Picarella again announced that in lieu of mailing Christmas cards, he would treat each attending member with lunch at the Dec. 7 meeting.

Raso invited all to attend a recital of his students to be held following after the Children's Christmas Party on Dec. 7 at Leisure Village in Camarillo.

Mike Perrotta won the 50/50 for $56 and donated $16 of the winning to the club.

President Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the January 18th meeting.

Additions to the Phone Directory:

Mario Garriga

6651 Franklin Ave. #109

Hollywood CA 90028

(323) 851-0819

Burr Middleton

16209 Victory Blvd.

Van Nuys CA 91406

(818) 787-6486 (H)

(818) 220-8175 (B)

cherhoyle4@aol.com

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri