GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of October 2, 2004 Meeting

GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of October 2, 2004 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order. Vice President Steve Loyacano led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased brothers and those that are ill and in the services. Pres. Joe Picarella was in Colorado visiting his ailing mother.

Holzer motioned to accept the minutes for Sept. 18 after an error pointed out by Tony di Milo was corrected. Brother Mike Ardizone, who is in the Army reserves, is leaving for Iraq. He is not in Iraq at the moment as the minutes stated. Bob Nicoletti seconded it. The motion carried. The club’s web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Sept. 18th meeting were Luncheon, $336, and non-eaters, $15 for a total of $351. Luncheon expenses were $323 and gratuities $5, for a gain of $23. Other income was 50/50 winnings, $25 and Dues, $70. Balance is $2853.20. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Frank Paccelli seconded it. The motion carried.

di Milo reminded all that the club’s picnic is set for Sunday Oct. 24 at Crestwood Hill Park in Brentwood, from noon to 4 p.m. He said that the committee needs to know how may members and guests are coming so the food can be ordered. To make reservations call (818) 907-6777. Adults, $5; Kids under 16 free.

Past President Gary D’Allessandro made a pitch for the picnic describing the various activities. Sec. Bill Poleri said that directions to Crestwood would be in the upcoming minutes and on the postcards. Vinny Raso questioned the wording on the postcard, which reads BYOB – No Alcohol. Sec. Poleri explained that the second B stands for beverage not booze.

Also, the girls, Caroline Davis and Rachel Paciolla former owners of the Villa Sorrento, will be invited along with Tonia Caruso and Joan Del Monte, widows of two past members, di Milo added.

DIRECTIONS TO THE PICNIC: From I-405 exit at Sunset Blvd., Head West to Kenter Ave. Turn Right onto Kenter Ave., Head North, Turn Right onto Hanley Ave., Proceed One Mile to the Park.

OLD BUSINESS: Sec. Poleri reported the results of the officer nominations held at the last meeting.

Only two of the six positions are contested. The secretary, treasurer, fifth board member and sergeant-at-arms are uncontested.

But, he added, the vice-president slot, which Steve Loyacano and Vinny Oliver were nominated, is no longer a race since Oliver in an email to Sec. Poleri refused the nomination due to family obligations but said he was flattered by the nomination.

Loyacano is now uncontested for the vice presidency. Since he is also a candidate for the presidency and is running against Vinny Raso, Poleri pointed out that Loyacano could be elected to both posts, which means that the board would only have four members when the bylaws call for a five-member board.

John Murgo motioned that the two candidates run, and if Loyacano wins, then the board names a vice president to replace Loyacano. There was no second. Dax Litto suggested that the candidate with the most votes becomes president and the other runner gets the VP spot. Poleri said the bylaws wouldn’t allow it. Leo Matranga said he thought the two candidates agreed to resolve the complex situation. The candidates said that they agreed that one step down to fill the vice president spot.

Raso volunteered to step down because since he was only in the group for a few years he didn’t want to cause any problems that might hurt the club. di Milo felt he shouldn’t have to step down. Poleri pointed out since the nominations were already held at the last meeting, no new nominations could be made today because this meeting wasn’t publicly announced as a second nomination session. Therefore, he explained, Raso or anyone else can’t be nominated for vice president. Loyacano then refused the nomination for president, leaving Raso as the only candidate. Loyacano received a big hand for his graceful action.

Since they were no contested offices, Poleri asked for a motion to elect the slates by acclamation. Murgo motioned that the slate of officers be elected by acclamation. Lanieri seconded it. The motion carried.

ANNOUNCEMENT: di Milo asked Murgo to give a condition report on Brother Frank Valentino. Murgo reported that Valentino was in the ICU at Tarzana Hospital this past week but is now in a private room. Since Valentino has a difficult time breathing, Murgo suggested sending cards instead of calling.

Vice Pres. Loyacano adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 16 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the Nov. 6th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Phone Directory Update:

Jim La Marca

1330 Costa Del Sol

Shell Beach CA 93449-3328

(805) 773-1406