GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of September 6, 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, Carmine Baffo who is recovering from surgery and Pete Rugolo who are recovering from a fall, and those in the services. Pres. Picarella then gave a prayer of thanks.

Rocco Telese motioned to accept the minutes for August 16. Frank Foti seconded it. The motion carried.

The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Sec. Bill Poleri reminded members that elections for all positions are on Oct. 4 and anyone interested in running should submit their names to the secretary. The cries from the membership were to keep the same officers. Pres. Picarella announced that he would be leaving the area at the start of 2005 and felt that someone else should be president so Picarella can train the new leader. The membership questioned what is there to train. Sec. Poleri said that the term is from October to October, thus there will be another election before he leaves. But Poleri did reveal that sometime next year; he would be moving back east.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from August 16th 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. Balance is $4023.13. Vinny Oliver motioned to accept. Chicky Russo seconded it. The motion carried.

The treasurer urged members to make their reservations by Tuesday for the Man-of-the-Year Dinner at Charlies’ G Restaurant on Sept. 14. The club had to guarantee 45 persons, adding that 28 have signed up.

He also has to know by Tuesday how many want a prime rib dinner. Pres. Picarella announced that he invited Tonia Caruso, late brother Anthony Caruso’s widow, to the dinner.

NEW BUSINESS: Treasurer di Milo make an important announcement. But first, he explained the over all club’s expenses. Postage cost for meeting announcements is $552 per year; postage cost for dinner and picnic flyers is $74 per year; stationary cost, including paper and ink, for all mailings is approximately $200 per year; lunch cost is $11 a member regardless of whether he eats or doesn’t and a $300 guarantee a meeting; Children’s Christmas Party cost, $1600 per year; Cooley Anemia Foundation (the club’s charity), $600; and miscellany cost. The club is required to make annual charity donations to maintain its’ Internal Revenue Service 501 C-4 status.

He announced that the board raised the dues $10 to $35 a year.

Past Pres. Gary D’Allessandro suggested members who could afford it should donate $100 extra instead of raising the dues. He is willing to do so. di Milo said there is already a committee whose members pay for those members who can’t afford dues or lunches. He can’t reveal their names because they make their donations off the records.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 20 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the October 4th meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri