The monthly executive board meeting of the Veteran Boxers Association, Ring 8, was held from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Waterfront Crab House in Long Island City, New York. The following board members were in attendance: Tony Mazzarella, Henry Wallitsch, Bob Duffy, Matt Farrago, Robert Mladinich, Jack Hirsch, Howie Albert, Henry Hascup, Joe Miceli, Johnny Breitenbruck, Keith Sullivan and Bill Tate.
The following items were discussed:

1. Raising funds to erect a statue on the grounds of the old Sunnyside Gardens arena, which is now a Wendy’s restaurant on Queens Boulevard in Queens, New York. Discussions centered on speculation regarding the height, width and length of a statue and how Ring 8 members who fought at Sunnyside Gardens would go about having their names placed on the statue.

2. The ongoing joint efforts between Ring 8 and the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged to assist longtime Ring 8 member Charley Noel, should his physical and mental condition get to the point where he would be forced to be moved to an assisted living facility. While Mr. Noel’s social worker, Regine Borgella, did not attend the executive board meeting, she was a guest at this evening’s membership meeting, which began at 7:00 P.M. She has been in regular contact with Paulette Bolag, Ring 8’s Sergeant-at-Arms, who has been serving as the inter-organizational liaison in this sensitive matter.

3. The pros and cons of various fundraising activities, including the promotion of amateur boxing shows, cigar nights and/or golf outings.

4. The concerns of several board members who have allowed themselves to be filmed by two sets of documentary movie makers who have been filming at recent Ring 8 meetings. There was some confusion and disagreement regarding waivers that some members were asked to sign related to their image being displayed on camera. Some members were also concerned that the personal words and reflections of individual members might be construed as being reflective of Ring 8 as an organizational entity. It was suggested that if any Ring 8 members appear on film they should consult with board member Keith Sullivan, an attorney, if they have any reservations.

Submitted by:

Robert Mladinich
Executive board member
March 20, 2008