GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of October 4, 2003 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 and ailing brothers, especially Leo Matranga who fell yesterday, and those in the services. Pres. Picarella then gave a prayer of thanks.

Duke Sella motioned to accept the minutes for Sept. 20. Larry Mascari seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Sept. 20th meeting were: Luncheon, $231, and non-eaters, $10 for a total of $241. Luncheon expenses were $300 and gratuities, $5 for a loss of $64. Other incomes were 50/50 winnings, $32; Caps, $36, and Dues, $35. Balance is $3747.64. Chris Lanieri motioned to accept. Joey Dorando seconded it. The motion carried.

He reminded members that the $35 dues are due.

The treasurer asked members to pay their dues by checks and mail it to him at P.O. Box 2028, Toluca Lake, CA 91610-0028. Sec. Bill Poleri said that checks should be made out to G.O.I.I.A. Sal Sportelli asked why were the dues raised? Poleri explained that the club needs the funds for the annual Children’s Christmas Party, which is coming up and its’ annual donation to the Cooley Anemia Foundation, the charity which the club supports. The secretary added that G.O.I.I.A. is both a social and charitable organization in the eyes of the IRS. Pres. Picarella reiterated this fact.

The treasurer reminded members that the picnic is a week from Sunday, Oct. 12, and reservations should be made as soon as possible. He urged members not to show up at the picnic without a reservation, adding that paying at the last minute is dangerous because there may not be enough food. di Milo asked the membership to be respectful and courteous.

Dorando asked for a big hand for Norman Panto who played his accordion prior to the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: Pres. Picarella recalled the last meeting discussion by Vice Pres. Steve Loyacano about members telling personal happenings and announced that Chris Lanieri and his wife have observed their 30th wedding anniversary. This brought up the subject of members doing bios. Sec. Poleri explained that at past meetings when members gave their bios, three members would volunteer to give a three to five minute talk about them at the upcoming meeting. He then asked for volunteers. No one volunteered.

Pres. Joe Picarella introduced the reelected officers, who are, beside himself, Vice President Steve Loyacano; Sec. Bill Poleri, Treas. Tony di Milo; Board Member Leo Matranga, and Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer. Treas. di Milo reported that he received a phone call from members who asked how they were reelected by acclamation. di Milo told them that they were at the meeting and he got a reply that they weren’t paying attention.

The president announced that an auction would be held for two Playboy Playmates Uncensored video tapes, donated by Vice Pres. Loyacano with the proceed going to the club. Poleri conducted the auction, which brought in $10.

Pres. Picarella told of how the club used to hold auctions of items donated by members with the proceeds going to the club. He asked that if anyone is interested in bringing something in to auction off, to see him.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Duke Sella reported that he had severe water damages to his place when he was away. The high cost of replacing his carpet caused him to look for other solutions and he found Living Air Filter, which removed the scent of mold from the house. The cost was one fourth of what it would have cost to replace the carpet. He was so pleased with the result that he now distributing the product and will donate $25 to the club and take off $100 to any member who uses the service. For further information call him at (626) 333-3187.

Norman Panto announced that he would be performing at California Elks Rally in Palm Desert on the 9th and at the Italian Festival in Laughlin, Nev., from the 10th to 14th.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 18 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the November 1st meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

P.S. The minutes normally don’t cover the guest introductions but at this meeting a very interesting discussion of the ancient Sicilian language by two potential members. Cav. Andrew Asaro explained that Sicilians do not speak a dialect but speak a language, which includes both Greek and Albanian. Sicily was originally colonized by the Greeks and Albanian immigrants settled there some time ago. Tom Re Ray explained how his name got changed from the Sicilain Re to the American Ray. Asaro also brought copies of the Sicilia Culturale, a Sicilia Digest published by Sicilia Cultural Society.