GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of August 16, 2008 Meeting

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

Sec. Bill Poleri thanked Brother D’Arrigo for filling in as secretary during his absence. D’Arrigo received a big hand. The minutes for the July 19th meeting and Aug. 2nd meeting, which were recorded by D’Arrigo and submitted by Poleri were passed out. The Aug. 2nd minutes were corrected. It left out the fact that Brother Norman Panto played his accordion at the meeting. John Murgo motioned to accept the minutes. Anthony Napoli seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Aug. 2nd meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 17; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $238. Incomes were 50/50, $20, and Dario Galatolo’s 50/50 winnings, $20. Expense was $864.94 for catering for the Shut In Seniors Luncheon. The balance is $2215.36. Leo Matranga questioned the balance asking how it went from $4000 to $2000. di Milo explained that the seniors’ luncheon cost more than $1000 with the catering/gift expenses and the church donation. Sec. Poleri checked the minutes of the past several meetings. He pointed out that the highest recent balance was just over $3000, not $4000. Vito Giovannelli motioned to accept. Joey Herrington seconded it. The motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS: A few members complained about not having enough food served during the luncheon. Pres. Raso said it would be looked into.

OLD BUSINESS: Vice President Corbo asked for volunteers to man the Club’s booth during the San Gennaro’s Festival, which is being held Sept. 26- 28 at Highland and Hollywood. Parking will be available at Kodak Theater Lot. The first four hours are free. He needs to know what hours of the day or night one can work so he can make a schedule. Corbo was asked why we have a booth at the Festival. He explained that the club is visible at the festival, enabling us to get new members and promote our DVD for which we get donations. He also asked for volunteers to help out with the picnic set for Oct. 26 and to work on the nomination panel.

John Antonucci suggested that we call chronic absentee members and ask why they don’t come to the meetings. This was tried before. Pres. Raso appointed Antonucci to the task of calling these members.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brother Larry Ottina announced his upcoming “Pretervisualization Exhibit,” where abstract expressionism meets light and space. The show will feature the video work, “Misinterpret This Work,” produced and created by Ottina in conjunction with Steven Bardo and Painted Sound. The show is being held upstairs at The Market Gallery, 1057 South San Pedro St. Opening reception is Sept. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Treas. di Milo reported that the club received an invitation from the Italian Hall Foundation to its annual general meeting and officer installation to be held on Sept. 8 at the Pico House, 424 North Main St., Los Angeles. RSVP can be done by Sept. 3 by calling (213) 485-8432.

D’Arrigo announced that St. Joseph’s Hospital, Burbank, would hold a free prostate examination clinic on Saturday, Sept. 27. For more info call (818) 843-5111. Al La Rosa recommended attending the clinic. He said don’t take chances. He had a low PSA reading but still had prostate cancer.

OBSERVANCES: The members wished Brother Nick Oliver a belated happy birthday.

Pres Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Sept. 6th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Sept. 20th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

Directory addition:

Dale E. Pavinski

125 Washington Ave.

Santa Monica CA. 90403

(570) 237-6031

depavi@mail.com