Sec. Bill Poleri made an addition to the minutes for Oct. 1. He forgot to mention that Jimmy D’Arrigo took the minutes for that meeting. He lauds him again and again D’Arrigo received an ovation. Rocky Vitalia motioned to accept the Oct. 15th minutes. Holzer seconded it. The motion carried. The club’s web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Poleri read a note from Tonia Caruso who sent the club a $50 donation in memory of her late husband and past G.O.I.I.A. brother, Anthony Caruso. The note read: “To all the members of G.O.I.I.A.! Dear Friends, Just a little gift in memory of my beloved husband Tony at ‘Italian Picnic in the Park’ time at the best well kept secret of all the parks: Crestwood Hills in Brentwood, our (almost) private place! Grazie for every year & ‘Happy Sauseeeegia,’ Love, Tonia Caruso.”

Poleri also thanked those who made the picnic a success. He said they were listed on the postcards, but those who don’t read the postcards, they are Tony di Milo, Vinny and Karen Raso, Vito Giovannelli, Vito’s Aunt Rose, Carolyn and Bill Poleri and Joan Loyacano.

Treas. di Milo read the financial report the Oct. 15th meeting and the picnic. Incomes from the meeting were, Luncheon $247, and non-eaters, $6 for a total of $253. Luncheon expenses were $300, and gratuities, $20 for a loss of $67. Other incomes were Dues, $560; 50/50, $20; Sal Sportelli’s 50/50 winning, $21, and Donations, Tonia Caruso, $50 and Sportelli, $5. There were 37 in attendance at the picnic of which 33 paid and four comps. Incomes were attendees, $165; no shows, $20, and leftover sale, $50. Picnic expenses were Villa Sorrento’s food, $250; rolls from Ralph’s, $37.25; Ice, $4.70; Supplies (Smart & Final), 37.25, and LA Park fee, $87 for total of $435.45, for a cost of $200.45. The general account balance is $2355. D’Arrigo motioned to accept. Vincent Oliver seconded it. The motion carried.

The treasurer also thanked those worked on the picnic. He explained how an adverse situation turned out to be a success. Poleri explained that the park department booked us for the prior week before, thus the two outside eating areas were being used. He added that di Milo convinced the park attendant that the club was booked for that day, so she let us have the indoor facility, which had a kitchen in it, at no extra cost.. Giovannelli and Raso heated the food in the kitchen, while Karen Raso and Carolyn Poleri set up the tables, while di Milo and Poleri took turns flagging down members to our new location. Giovannelli felt this year’s picnic was better because of the camaraderie. “We were a close knit group,” he said. Sportelli said the guys acted like gentlemen probably due to the fact that wives and girlfriends were there. Pres. Raso offered the members leftover food for a donation of $5, which earned the club $50. Vitalia called for a vote of confidence Pres. Raso, Treas. di Milo and Sec. Poleri, which they received.

The treasurer urged members to contact him if there are any changes in their phone numbers or addresses.

di Milo reminded the membership that the $35 dues for 2005/2006 are now due.

HEALTH MOMENT: Norman Panto read some simple rules on how to stay young. They are: Remove nonessential numbers like age, weight and height; keep cheerful friends; keep learning; enjoy the simple things; laugh often; endure grief and then move on; surround yourself with love; cherish your health; don’t take guilt trips; express love, and let the moments take your breath away.

Pres. Raso announced that the club could raise funds if members were to see a TV show at $5 a person.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 19th at Villa Sorrento followed by the Dec. 3rd meeting.