GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of September 18, 2004 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 brothers and those that are ill and in the services.

John Murgo motioned to accept the minutes for Aug. 21. Chris Lanieri seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri thanked Jimmy D’Arrigo for taking those minutes and Vice President Steve Loyacano for recording the minutes for the prior three meetings.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for "the lowest attended meeting." Incomes from Aug. 21st meeting were Luncheon, $204, and non-eaters, $30 for a total of $234. Luncheon expenses were $300 and gratuities $5, for a loss of $71. Other income was 50/50 winnings, $22. (Note: Vito Giovannelli donated his 50/50 winnings to the waitress and bus boys. Balance is $2745.20. Jimmy D’Arrigo motioned to accept. Gary D’Allessandro seconded it. The motion carried.

The treasurer reminded all that the dues are due next month and it should be paid by check. Sec. Poleri added that the $35 check be made out to G.O.I.I.A.

di Milo reminded all that the club’s picnic is set for Sunday, Oct. 24. He also announced that next year (’05) the picnic would be held at Dr. Joseph Turcillo’s place in Malibu.

NEW BUSINESS: After the treasurer announced that we lost our waitress due to too few tips by our members, Turcillo motioned that we raise the cost of the lunch to $14 with the extra two dollars going to the waitress and bus boys. This will also include an extra two dollars for the non-eaters, which will cost them $7. Lanieri seconded the motion. Murgo felt it would be better to leave it up to individual members. Pres. Picarella argued that we tried that and we lost the waitress, adding that she only made $22 for four hours of work at the last meeting. di Milo also spoke against it, arguing that there are members who can’t even afford to pay for the lunch let alone extra for the help. Leo Matranga felt the motion was unnecessary because he always leaves $1. Picarella answered with "not enough leaves some thing." Vice President Steve Loyacano said that $14 isn’t that much. The treasurer asked the motion be amended to $13 and $6 to the non-eaters. Turcillo agreed to the amendment to the motion, as did the second, Lanieri. The motion carried.

Treas. di Milo explained that there are a few members who are already contributing extra so some members can have lunch and it is done in confidence. Anyone one who wants to contribute extra can leave their names with him, and no one will know who are the benefactors or beneficiaries.

Sec. Poleri conducted the nomination of officers.

PRESDIENT: Serving as a proxy for Frank Valentino who couldn’t attend the meeting, di Milo nominated Vinny Raso. di Milo then seconded it. Gary D’Allessandaro nominated Steve Loyacano. Chris Lanieri seconded it.

VICE PRESIDENT: John Murgo nominated Steve Loyacano. di Milo seconded it. Jimmy D’Arrigo nominated Vinny Oliver. Joey Dorando seconded it.

SECRETARY: D’Arrigo nominated Bill Poleri. Lanieri seconded it.

TREASURER: John Murgo nominated Tony di Milo. D’Arrigo seconded it.

FIFTH BOARD MEMBER: D’Arrigo nominated Leo Matranga. Joe Picarella seconded it.

SERGANT-AT-ARMS: Lanieri nominated Greg Holzer. D’Arrigo seconded it.

Sec. Poleri announced that the election would be on Oct. 16 and the ballots will be in the mail.

SICK REPORT: di Milo reported that Frank Valentino had a frightful experience the previous week. Murgo explained that Valentino’s oxygen machine malfunction and the fire department emergency crew was called. Loyacano said Stella, Frank’s wife, feels that it would be better if members send cards instead of calling. It was added that Valentino plans to attend the next meeting.

Mickey Grasso who was recently in the hospital, attended this meeting as did Roger Pisarra who recently had heart surgery.

ANNOUNCEMENT: At the last meeting, Brother Frank Pacelli announced that he works as a handy man and if anyone needs work on his house to call him at (323) 620-3887.

The treasurer reported that Brother Mike Ardizone who is in the Army reserves is back in Iraq.

Sec. Poleri announced that the Los Angeles Chapter of POINT (Pursuing Our Italian Names Together), an organization dedicated to Italian genealogy and family history will host the fourth POINT National Conference Oct. 6-8. For information called (310) 662-5705 day time.

Michael Alaimo from the Renegade Repertory Company announced that his group will be presenting the Italian playwright, Eduardo de Filippo’s "I Won’t Pay You!" The comedy will be performed Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. from Oct. 1 to Nov. 14. Tickets are $15.

Sid Snyder of So. Cal. Financial spoke on the low loan rates that are now available. Call 800 922-4092.

Loyacano announced that his daughter now has the lead in the Broadway musical "Dracula."

Pres. Picarella announced that this was his last meeting he will be presiding over since he won’t be here at the next session because he will be visiting his ill mother in Colorado. He then led the members in singing Happy Birthday to Past President Gary D’Allessandro, followed by the adjournment of the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 2 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the Oct. 16th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri

Additions to the Phone Directory:

Frank Pacelli

11455 Chandler Blvd.

N. Hollywood CA 91601

(323) 620-3887 ©

fmpacelli2@hotmail.com

Michael B. (Gileo) Vanoff

430 S. Burnside Ave. #6

Los Angeles CA 90036

(323) 938-9445 (H)

(626) 449-4441 (B)

(626) 449-3280 (FAX)

mvanpff@att.net