GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of August 19, 2006 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order. Pres. Vinny Raso asked Mike Ardizone, who recently returned from serving with the Army in the Middle East and Cuba, to lead the club in the Pledge of Allegiance, following which Raso led the members in a prayer. He thanked "all for being what we are." A moment of silence followed for our deceased brothers and those that are ill.

Jimmy D'Arrigo motioned to accept the Aug. 5th minutes. Larry Mascari seconded it. The motion carried. The club's web site is now: www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri again announced there would be no meeting on Sept. 2 due to the Labor Day holiday. The next meeting will be on Sept. 16th.

Sec. Bill Poleri announced GOIIA's loss of a friend, Boris Vanoff, who died on Aug. 12. A rosary service was held last night (Aug. 18) and the funeral was today (Aug.19), Poleri said. He pointed out although he wasn't a member, Vanoff attended many meetings since his son, Mike An'gileo, and his best friend, Chicky Russo, are members of GOIIA, as were many others of his friends. He will be missed, Poleri added.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Aug. 5th meeting: Members attending, 31; Vittello's Luncheon Tab, $434; MOTY dinner reservation, $50; 50/50 income, $27; and Ian Castellucci's 50/50 winning donation, $28. The balance is $2613.06. John Murgo motioned to accept. Vinny Oliver seconded the motion. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: di Milo said we need reservations for the Man-of-the-Year dinner, which will on be held Sunday, Sept. 17 at Maggiano's in The Promenade, 6100 Topanga Canyon, Woodland Hills, next to Macy's. The phone number is (818) 887-3777. He reported that the reservations are coming in like crap. He said that we need 50 people to attend if we want the event to be a success. Murgo suggested that we change the date if we don't get the necessary number of reservations.

The treasurer asked if anyone has a 500-lira coin and if they do to contact him. The coin is used to make up the man-of-the-year medal. They are difficult to get since Italy went on the Euro system.

Sec. Poleri questioned if we have a booth at San Gennaro Festival since the lady in charge never called him back. Al La Rosa said that we do have a booth and it is free if we don't sell anything. Poleri said that a couple of the members want to sell T-shirts. Ardizone and Nick Collura said that they would get their own booth so they can sell the shirts. The festival will be held on Sept. 21-24 at Hollywood and Hawthorne, one block south of Hollywood and Highland, Hollywood.

Volunteers are needed to chauffeur the guests from their homes or nursing homes to the club's Luncheon for Senior Shut-Ins at St. Charles Church Parish Center, corner of Moorpark and Lankershim, North Hollywood, Murgo announced, speaking for Mike Policare, chairman of the committee. Poleri said that there is a sign up sheet at the head

table. He added that volunteers are also needed to serve as escorts to the elders. The event is on Saturday, Sept. 9. Poleri emphasized that members will pay for their own lunch.

NEW BUSINESS: Ronnie La Barbera asked about fund raising and if the club is getting any money from our luncheon meetings. Treasurer di Milo answered in the negative and said that the only source of income is from the 50/50. He said that D'Arrigo spoke of a TV show to raise money. Murgo said that the only fund raising we did was the cow shit contest, which wasn't that profitable. He added that we could have a Vegas night, etc., if we get workers. "To raise money you got to work," he emphasized. He asked members to think of something we can do as a whole and bring it up at the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Tony Tarantino reported that he was having a prostate problem when a friend introduced him to a product, which helps with his problem. He said the product helps with other illnesses, like heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease and diabetes. It is called Mangosteen and those who are interested to contact him at (661) 274-0111 or tony.tarantino@yahoo.com .

Vince Corbo donated his $21 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres. Vinny Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 16th at Vitello's Restaurant followed by the Oct. 7th meeting.