Executive Board Meeting:

The monthly Executive Board meeting of the Veteran Boxers Association of NY, Ring 8, Inc was held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City, New York.

Board Members in attendance: President Bob Duffy, V.P. Henny Wallitsch, Paulette Balog, Bobby Bartels, Tony DiPippo, Joe Dwyer, Tommy Gallagher, Henry Hascup, Jack Hirsch, John Labate, Vinnie Maddalone, Lenny Mangiapane, Tony Mazzarella, Frank Pena and David Yatkowitz.

President Bob Duffy talked on our recent Amateur Boxing Show that was held at the Plattduetsche. Even with the rain and only 3 bouts, Ring 8 came out with a profit of $2600. Duiffy thanked Joe Dwyer, who brought over 50 people, and Frank Pena, who worked the show. The next night on ESPN, Teddy Atlas talked about it and promoter Gary Shaw gave a 10% discount to all the boxers that were scheduled to box on the show. Plattduetsche also had an all out buffet for a cost of $46 a person.

President Duffy talked on our lawyer, Keith Sullivan, who is in contact with another lawyer, who would work on getting Ring 8 a 501-C-3. Right now Ring 8 has a 501-C-4. This lawyer would give us a 50% discount on his regular fee. A motion was made to do so, and it was passed by the Board.

Our accountant, David Yatkowitz talked about our tax return and Ring 8 is all up to date with their returns.

President Duffy stated that John Edebohls of the “Greater Astoria Historical Society” wants to donate $2,000 for the monument at Wendy’s, the former site of Sunnyside Gardens, but only if it is done by the end of the year.

President Duffy talked about how many people have commanded about how good the Ring 8 web site is and asked if we could give Henry Hascup’s son David, who actually formed the web site, something for his hard work. The Board all agreed to do so.

Tommy Gallagher talked on getting Old-Time boxing pictures of New York fighters. He also talked about getting a poster, with would include many of these pictures.

President Duffy talked about Tony Nap and what he wants to put up on our web site. Tommy Gallagher talked on this as well, stating that this is history and that it is a part of Ring 8. Bobby Bartels also talked on the subject. The Board voted against putting material on Tony Nap on our web site.

Jack Hirsch talked on the newly formed “New York Hall of Fame for Boxing.” He stated that they had there first meeting last night, which included Jack, Henry Hascup, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Ron McNair and Neil Terens. Also in attendance, just as observers, were Keith Sullivan and Ring 8 President Bob Duffy. This committee agreed for the first year, that we would in 18 people. 8 living fighters and 4 deceased, along with 3 living non-fighters and 3 deceased. It was voted on at our last meeting that Tony Mazzarella would be the first President of this new Hall of Fame. Tommy Gallagher, Bobby Bartels and Henny Wallitsch all had some ideas about this.

President Duffy talked on an open membership for all the active pro and amateur boxers for the rest of the year. All they would have to do is to show us their ID card. A motion was made to do so, and the Board all agreed.

Tony DiPippo stated that we have our New membership cards and mailing list available.

General Meeting:

President Duffy opened the meeting Flag salute and then we had a 10 count.

Paulette Balog gave a report on all the sick Ring 8 members including Emile Griffith, Charlie Noel, Bill Tate and others. President Duffy thanked Paulette once again for keeping us informed.

President Duffy talked on our up-dated by-laws that was handed out last month and asked for them to be approved by the general membership. A motion was made to do so and the motion was passed.

President Bob Duffy talked on our recent Amateur Boxing Show that was held at the Plattduetsche. Even with the rain and only 3 bouts, Ring 8 came out with a profit of $2600. Duffy thanked Joe Dwyer, who brought over 50 people, and Frank Pena, who worked the show. The next night on ESPN, Teddy Atlas talked about it and promoter Gary Shaw gave a 10% discount to all the boxers that were scheduled to box on the show. Plattduetsche also had an all out buffet for a cost of $46 a person.

It was reported that Ring 8 has new hats and T-shirts for sale at a cost of only $15 each. The Daily News informed us that they would support this, as Bill Gallo’s name is on them.

President Bob Duffy talked on the newly formed New York Hall of Fame for Boxers. The chairman of the nominating committee, Jack Hirsch told the membership that they had there first meeting last night and Henry Hascup stated that 18 people will be inducted the first year, 8 living fighters and 4 deceased, along with 3 living non-fighters and 3 deceased and that we plan on having our first Induction Ceremonies sometime in late March or early April. Also all the monies made from the Hall of Fame will go to Ring 8.

Tony Mazzarella talked about the monument that we plan on putting up at Wendy’s, the former site of Sunnyside Gardens. Tony stated that John Edebohls of the “Greater Astoria Historical Society” wants to donate $2,000 for the monument, but only if it is done by the end of the year.

Charlie Norkus Jr. wanted to know, because of the Hall of Fame; if we are still going to have are Christmas Party. The answer was YES!!!. Our next Ring 8 Christmas Party will be on Sunday, December 19th at Russo’s on the Bay.

President Bob Duffy stated that all active pro and amateur boxers, will get free membership to Ring 8 for the rest of the year.

Frank Pena welcomed back Christina Vila, who just got back from Afghanistan. The membership gave her a warm welcome back.

Mike Carry talked on the LONG ISLAND AMATEUR BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP & CHARITIES which is hosting their 6th ANNUAL TOURNAMENT, Friday August 12, Check-in and Final Registration, Saturday August 13 & Sunday, August 14 and Saturday, August 20 & Sunday, August 21 at Gleason Gym 77 Front Street 2nd floor Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Jack Hirsch introduced one of our guest speakers; Gabe Perillo Jr. Gabe talked on his father, who was a well-known artist, and his new book. The 50 pages of Perillo’s exquisite realistic renderings, titled “The Boxing Art of Gabe Perillo,” is currently on sale at the Clove Lakes Book Store on Victory Boulevard and is expected soon in other Island book outlets. It’s a must read for anyone who remembers watching boxing greats Marciano, Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier — or didn’t have the privilege of seeing them fight. “The Boxing Art of Gabe Perillo” is also available through Gabe Perillo Jr. at 718-720-6035 or online at www.gabeperilloart.com. He will gave a donation to Ring 8 for every book he sells.

Gabe stated that his father went to school on a GI Bill and became an artist for Ring Magazine. He did all the artist work for the ESPN’s 50th Greatest Athletics, except for one, O.J. Simpson. He also did one on his hero Rocky Marciano and Jersey Joe Walcott. Gabe Sr. was also an opera singer and received many awards. In 2002. He painted a picture of Joe Miceli back in 1999. They once received $22,000 for one of his father’s painting. In 2002, Gabe Sr. died after a massive heart attack.

President Bob Duffy introduced New York State Athletic Commissioner member Judge Edwin Torres, who also wrote “Carlito’s Way.” Judge Torres stated that he signed up for the 1949 New York Golden Glove Tournament but broke his hand and had to drop out. He also talked on the Ali/Frazier I at Madison Square Garden.

David Yatkowitz talked on a Dental Care facility that would give every Ring 8 member a 25% discount. It is located at 133-36 Lightstone Expressway, Flushing, N.Y, 11354 (718-762-0202).

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President Duffy talked on our 1st Annual Picnic on July 31st at Brady Park. Tickets are $20 per person, $35 per family.

Jill Diamond and Joe Dwyer from the NABF talked on the Serrano sisters and gave Amanda Serrano, who recently won the NABF female featherweight title with a 1st round knockout, another award from the NABF. Joe went over Amanda’s record and then had her come up. She thanked President Duffy, Joe and Jill, as well as her trainer, Jordan Maldonado. She also talked about where she wants to go in the future.

Amanda’s trainer, who is also her brother-in-law, Jordan Maldonado, also talked about Amanda and her sister and his wife, Cindy Serrano. Cindy also talked as well and they both thanked everyone for their support.

Tommy Gallagher introduced Vinnie Maddalone who will be fighting again in August. He also gave us an up-date on his undefeated fighter and last years Ring 8 prospect of the year, Gabriel Bracero. Tom then introduced our other guest speaker and owner of Gleason’s Gym, Bruce Silverglade.

Silverglade told everyone that it was such a pleasure to be here. He talked on the history of Gleason’s Gym. It first opened in 1937, when Bobby Gleason , who was a cab driver decided to open up a gym. They had old pulley’s and punching bags. When Stillman’s and the Garden Gym closed down, Gleason’s gym stayed so they got all the greats, from Jake LaMotta, Jimmy Carter, Phil Terranova, who was their first Champion back in 1943. They also had Carlos Ortiz, Benny Kid Paret, Gerry Cooney, Vito Antuofermo, Muhammad Ali and Roberto Duran trained there as well. All the well known trainers came to Gleason’s as well, including Freddie Brown, Whitey Bimstein, Nick Rocha and Tommy Gallagher. The gym was also used for many movie sets. The gym was moved several times from where it first started. In 1974, 82-year-old Bobby Gleason moved it to 254 West 30th St., then to its present location under the Brooklyn Bridge.

In the early 1980’s Ira Becker sold the gym to its current owner Bruce Silverglade. Right now they have well over 1,000 members, of which 350 are females. The cost is $85 a month and for amateurs it’s only $65. They also have weddings, art shows, parties and music events there as well. They will be having another art show from September 24th to the 26th. Everyone is welcome and the youngest boxer they have is only 6 years old.

President Bob Duffy stated that the Gleason Gym is the best gym around today and then presented Bruce Silverglade a check from Ring 8 for $250.

Bob Duffy received this E-Mail and letter from Bruce Silverglade:

Hi Bob,

Thank you again for the other night. I enjoyed myself very much.

Attached is a thank you letter on  a Give A Kid A Dream letterhead. The contribution id tax deductable.

See you soon.
Bruce

June 21, 2011

To: Bob Duffy

From:  Bruce Silverglade

Owner

RE: Give A Kid A Dream

Gleason’s Athletic Club, Inc. is recognized as exempt from federal income tax under section 501 C 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization has a determination of Private Foundation. All contributions to the organization are considered tax deductible. The Federal ID number is 11-3093704.

Gleason’s Athletic Club, Inc. sponsors a program called Give A Kid A Dream. This program allows underprivileged youth to train at Gleason’s Athletic Club at no charge.

Your donation of $250.00 is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

There will be no Ring 8 meetings in July and August, so please enjoy the summer and stay healthy and we hope to see you all on Tuesday, September 20th.

Posted under Meeting Notes