GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of November 6, 2004 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order. Pres. Vinny Raso led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, especially Frank Valentino, and those in the services. Past Pres. Joe Picarella gave the prayer of thanks.

Chris Lanieri motioned to accept the minutes for Oct. 16. Joe Buondelmonte seconded it. The motion carried. The club’s web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Sec. Bill Poleri reported that there are no meetings during the holidays leaving only two meetings remaining this year: Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. He announced the first session for 2005 is on Jan. 15.

Poleri also thanked Joe Buondelmonte, Tony di Milo, James Donzella, Vito Giovannelli, Picarella and himself for the work they did to achieve a successful picnic. Holzer questioned Poleri’s thanking himself, to which, Poleri replied: "Why not? No one else will."

Treas. di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Oct. 16th meeting were Luncheon, $351, and non-eaters, $6 for a total of $357. Luncheon expenses were $302 and gratuities $33, for a gain of $22. Other income was 50/50 winnings, $26; Dues, $245, and Picnic Money, $165. Picnic expenses were Park Res., $76; Food, $397.57 and Photos, $9.50 for a total of $483.07. The picnic cost to the club was $318.07. Balance is $3774.28. Jimmy D’Arrigo motioned to accept. Vinny Oliver seconded it. The motion carried.

The treasurer reminded all that the $35 DUES ARE NOW DUE and the dues go from October to October, not the last month a member paid them.

NEW BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo announced the Christmas Party for the Handicapped Children will be on Dec. 18 at Villa Sorrento. There will be no meeting that day, he added.

President Raso announced he and his wife, Karen, would provide the musical entertainment and Past Pres. Joe Picarella will again play Santa. Holzer said that he tried to play Santa but they couldn’t find a suit big enough for him. "I was too fat," he said. Since his operation, Holzer now can play Santa. di Milo said only five volunteers will be needed since Villa Sorrento owner won’t allow G.O.I.I.A. volunteers to serve the food.

John Murgo added that when the girls owned the restaurant, they donated the food and the volunteers got a free lunch. He stressed that the volunteers would now have to pay for their food. Oliver suggested that the committee find an alternative site next year so the guys can serve the kids. "That was the fun part," he said.

Past President Gary D’Allessandro questioned the kids bringing their friends to the party. Sec. Poleri pointed out that the extra kids are mostly brothers and sisters and if they weren’t what difference does it make. Treas. di Milo added who cares. He explained that Ahead With Horses, a nonprofit organization that builds up the kids self esteem by having them riding horses, will give us a list of kids who are coming with their ages. Picarella said we passed out presents for each age group, about 50 children a year. He added that these kids have a great attitude and great parents. They needed so much attention that they are never neglected. D’Allessandro also pointed out that these kids have great gusto for life in spite of their handicaps.

Treas. di Milo reemphasized that financial donations to the party are welcome. di Milo explained that the club also gives $50 to four needy families who are attending the party . Ahead With Horses will let di Milo know are the most needy.

Sec. Poleri stressed that the parking lot is off limits to the club volunteers because it is reserved for the kids and their families.

Pres. Raso urged that the club get some recognition for its effort. The public doesn’t know the good work that the club does, he said..

Vice Pres Steve Loyacano related a story about his grandfather in New Orleans who had a grocery store and gave out candy to the kids from the orphanage across the street. Loyacano was a kid at the time and years later when he returned to the site where the orphanage and store were he ran into a successful looking man who was visiting the area where the orphanage was since he grew up in it. They began to reminisce and the man told Loyacano that he was planning to run away from the orphanage as a child but didn’t because he didn’t want to be left out on the candy that old man Loyacano passed out. This, Loyacano stressed, is what being generous to misfortunate youths means. If the man had run away from the orphanage as a child, he added, he would probably never have been successful in life. "Our party means a lot to these handicapped kids," he said.

Carmine Marinelli won the 50/50 and donated the $30 along with an added $10 to the Handicapped Children’s Christmas Party.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 20th at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the Dec. 4th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Directory Change:

Vincent Oliver

205 S. Broadway Suite 606

Los Angeles CA 90012