GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of April 19, 2008 Meeting

Pres. Vinny Raso called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo led the group in prayer. Pres. Raso then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, and our servicemen.

Rocco Telese motioned to accept the Apr. 5th minutes. Ronnie La Barbera seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Poleri pointed out the list of items needed by the Italian Hall Museum is on the reverse side of the minutes.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Apr. 5th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 27; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $408. Income was 50/50, $30. Expense was Office Supplies, $40. The balance is $4097.06. John Oliva motioned to accept. Fred Oliva seconded it. The motion carried.

SPEAKER: Brother Dr. Joe Turcillo read a number of quotes, all from Shakespeare, on what we should be thankful for.

OLD BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo reported that only 35 reservations for the Man-of-the-Year dinner have been made so far and 70 reservations are what the club guarantees the restaurant. Committee Member John Murgo promoted the dinner by urging members to make their reservations soon. He explained that the dinner is an evening affair and would be held at Maggiano’s Restaurant on Sunday, May 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. The cost per member and one guest is $30 each. For all other guests it will be $35. Reservations for a table of eight could be made. The deadline for all reservations is May 10.

Treas. Tony di Milo announced that he received a residual check for $200 from Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo for the DVD four members made on Italian cooking. He also said that he received two phone calls from producers about doing a program based on the club. Corbo said that the producers said they would get back to us.

Pres. Raso reported that things that are being done by members have brought recognition to the club. He added that because of the club he is still here in California. He said the club keeps him here. Five years ago he said he was planning to move back east.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Brother Dax Litto announced that on a DVD he cut a few scenes from a tape of an old war movie called “Tank Commandos” that he came upon. The scene shows a group of GIs talking to a girl in a tavern. One of soldiers, the one doing most of the talking, was our Brother Leo Matranga during his acting days. Matranga, who turned 90 last month, said that he forgot all about that movie. Litto presented the tape of the movie to Matranga saying: “For our friend, Leo, from the Grandsons of Italy in America.” Although Matranga wasn’t one of the stars, the picture on the tape sleeve shows a tank in the background and Leo in the foreground shouting. One can only assume it’s an order.

Pres Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be June 7th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the June 21st meeting. There will be no meeting on May 17 due to the fact the Man-of-the-Year Dinner is scheduled for May 18.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.