GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of September 20, 2003 Meeting

GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of September 20, 2003 Meeting

President Joe Picarella called the meeting to order and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased and ailing brothers and those in the services. Pres. Picarella then gave a prayer of thanks.

Carmine Baffo motioned to accept the minutes for Sept. 6. Frank Foti seconded it. The motion carried. The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case). Prior to the start of Sept. 6th meeting Rocco Telese with the help of Sabrina, the waitress, performed a magic trick.

Sec. Bill Poleri asked for nominations for election to the board of directors. No names were submitted. Carmine Marinelli motioned to have the entire board reelected by acclamation. Sal Pacino seconded it. The motion carried.

Poleri said that brother Jimmy D'Arrigo reported that an Italian Society recently donated $51,000 to the Cooley Anemia Foundation, which is the group that G.O.I.I.A. donates to every year.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from Sept. 6th meeting were: Luncheon, $264, and non-eaters, $15 for a total of $279. Luncheon expenses were $300 and gratuities, $5 for a loss of $26. Other incomes were 50/50 winnings, $21, and Dues, $6.25. Other expenses were Secretary of State, $20; Postage, $133.85, and Additional Picnic Fee, $3.50. Man-of-the-Year Dinner financial report: 58 guests, $2030; First round of drinks were on Pres. Picarella; and Expenses were MOTY Medal, $324.75; Entertainment, $70, and Film and Photo Development, $14.84 for a total of $409.59. Balance is $3687.14. Vinny Oliver motioned to accept. Chicky Russo seconded it. The motion carried.

He reminded members that the $35 dues are due next month.

The treasurer urged members to make their reservations for the picnic scheduled for Oct. 12. di Milo stressed the importance of having a head count so Sec. Poleri and himself can buy the food. He added the board would like to hold more affairs but not all members can afford to attend the events. He emphasized the fact that you must have people to go to the affairs to have them.

Directions to 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.

He also announced that 58 members and their guests attended the Man-of-the-Year Dinner, where Gary D'Allessandro was this year's recipient. di Milo thanked Pres. Picarella for buying the first round of drinks. Picarella received a big ovation. He also lauded Karen and Vinny Raso for providing the entertainment. They also received applauds. The event took place at Charlie G's Restaurant. Pres. Picarella reported that he received a call from Tonia Caruso, late brother Anthony Caruso's widow, who was his guest at to the dinner. She thanked him and was very appreciative of the reception she received from the members, adding that she loved us all.

NEW/OLD BUSINESS: Due to a low attendance at this meeting, Vice President Steve Loyacano suggested that the night before a meeting, members should call close fellow members and urge them to attend the session. Pres. Picarella felt that following every social event "we come up dry at the meeting." Frank Foti suggested having a catered picnic in lieu of a meeting, adding that doing something different may attract more members to the meeting. Treasurer di Milo reported that brother Joe Turcillo has invited the club to hold a meeting at his Malibu home. di Milo said that sometime in the future we can have a meeting there with each member bringing his own food and drink or meeting at Vito Giovannelli's Casa di Pizza in his Sinatra's Room. Giovannelli wasn't sure if his place was big enough to hold meetings. "We'll work on this," di Milo said. Raso felt it's great to bring more of us together and he found the club.

very uplifting. "The members are really a nice bunch of guys," he said. Leo Matranga accused Raso of not having any taste, but added that Raso does put on a good spread at his place.

Loyacano felt that members should tell personal happenings. He pointed out that his daughter is getting married next year and by him announcing it, maybe some member who is a photographer, restaurateur or dress shop owner can have an opportunity to do some business. Picarella thought it was a nice idea. Sec. Poleri reminded members that at one time three different members gave their bios at each meeting. The practice was stopped some time ago but Poleri didn't know exactly why.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Dr. Joseph Turcillo announced a clinic on arthritis at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Hope Conference Center, Burbank, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. He said it is free and a dinner may be served, depending upon what the pharmaceutical companies donate. Dr. Turcillo, who will lead the "Dialogues in Medicine" program, said that the other five participating doctors are all very successful in their fields and all were his students. To make reservations call (818) 953-4487.

Jimmy D'Arrigo announced a free prostate screening at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8 a.m. to noon. For more info call (818) 432-5464.

Frank Foti asked members if they would sign an application for E-Scrips from Von and Ralph's to aid his son's school. The response was so good, Foti ran out of applications.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 4 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the October 18th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri