GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of April 7, 2007 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo then led the group in the prayer. Veep Corbo called for a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, especially Chicky Russo who died recently, those that are ill and our servicemen.

Sec. Bill Poleri announced that there were no minutes for the March 17th meeting because it was tabled to today, April 7. The meeting was to be held along with the St. Joseph’s Fete at Brother Dr. Joseph Turcillo’s Malibu Home. Ronnie La Barbera motioned to accept the Mar. 3rd minutes. Holzer seconded it. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the St. Joseph’s Festival. Income from the Festival included 50/50, $37, and Michael An’gileo’s 50/50 winning donation, $37. Expenses included catering for the St. Joseph’s Fete, $400; Postage, $48, 300 Club Pins, $849.19. Account balance is $3061.21. D’Arrigo motioned to accept. Vito Giovannelli seconded it. The motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS: Treasurer di Milo announced that the new pins were too small and being redone by the manufacturer at his expense. di Milo said the small ones can be used as gifts for “children or dogs, they are for fun.” He added that they are $2 each or three for $5. Veep Corbo asked if other than members could wear them. Holzer thought the question was unnecessary. Ronnie La Berbera motioned that anyone could wear them. Holzer seconded it. Mike Ardizone spoke in favor of the motion saying that they can be given to family members. Victor Russo and John Murgo spoke against. They felt the pins are for members only. Corbo said he didn’t was to see a precedent set, adding “ they’re our pins, our club.” The motion was called and defeated.

Murgo brought up the design of the pins. He doesn’t like it and thinks it should be redesigned. He especially criticized its’ designer, adding that they are too ugly to wear. di Milo disagreed with Murgo saying that he wears his every day and gets compliments on it. Others made similar comments. Leo Matranga said the problem is that the club never approved the design.

OLD BUSINESS: Ardizone reported that the sponsors of the second annual Italian Festival in San Clarita said we are welcome to participate free of charge. It would be held three days in May. Veep Corbo suggested that we have any potential member sign up right there and not just pass out membership applications. Vito Giovannelli motioned that G.O.I.I.A. take part in the festival. Ardizone seconded it. The motion passed.

ANNOUNCMENT: D’Arrigo reported that St. Charles Church is holding a festival on Apr. 26-28 at its’ center. He said there would be Italian booths there.

John Antonucci announced that as a club’s fund raiser he would gladly sell anything members want to get rid of at his yard/garage sales. The proceeds would go to the club.

THANK YOU: Victor Russo thanked the club for its attendance at his father’s funeral. He expressed how much his father, Chicky Russo, enjoyed the guys and the club. He told of how Brother Dr. Joe Turcillo saved his father’s life 20 years ago. Victor said that he and his sisters considered the club’s members “true friends.” He added that he was proud to be a member.

Dr. Turcillo spoke of Chicky’s courage. “He had a positive attitude, courage and a lot of guts. I admired him.”

Veep Vinnie Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be April 21st at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the May 5th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.