GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of December 6, 2008 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms John Oliva called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinnie Corbo led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo then led the group in the prayer. Pres. Corbo then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, our servicemen, fire victims, Richard, our bartender, who already received three chemo cancer treatments, and thankful that brother Ron Floreno, who recently under went hospitalization, is back with us.

Carmine Marinelli motioned to accept the minutes for Nov 15th meeting. Mike Perrotta seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Al Miller thanked Sec. Bill Poleri for the great job he’s doing recording the minutes. Poleri received a hand. He pointed out that this was the last meeting of the year and the next meeting will be Jan. 17, 2009.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Nov. 15th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 21; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $294. Incomes were 50/50, $20; the winner’s donation, $20; Marinelli’s Christmas Party donation, $50; Lee Pappas’ donation for the toys buyers’ lunches, $50, and Dues, $210. Expense was postage/mailing, $160. The balance is $4142.19. Greg Holzer motioned to accept. Miller seconded it. The motion passed.

Pres. Corbo handed Treas. di Milo a check for $58.95 from Café press.com who sold 50 shirts with the club’s logo on them over the internet. He was amazed since few if any club members bought the shirts. Corbo figured persons outside the club from across the country bought them. He urged members to buy a shirt.

The treasurer reminded members that their $35 dues were due in October. He urged them to pay Now.

SPEAKER: Brother Joseph Turcillo, known as Dr. Joe, spoke on evolutionary medicine emphasizing diabetes. There is Type I and Type II, with the former affecting younger and older people, he said. Type II is hereditary and can be triggered by bad diet, he explained. He gave a short history of diabetes going back to the ice age.

Pres. Corbo welcomed back Greg Holzer and Steve Lord.

OLD BUSINESS: John Murgo who is in charge of the catering for the Christmas Party for the Handicapped Children, said that this is the last meeting before the party and those that are volunteering must sign up now. He said he wants his workers to be at the church between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Those volunteers working with the guests under Pres. Corbo should be there around 10 a.m. He stressed that all the members will pay for their lunch and all will stay and clean up, “we have to be out by 3 p.m.” Members can bring their wives, girl friends, etc., but not a lot of other people and members will have to pay for their lunches.

Lenny Indelicato said that he has gifts and trinkets for girls that he’ll bring to the party.

John Oliva said that it was too late for the club to participate in this year’s Hollywood’s Santa Parade and WinterFest but we should do it next year.

Larry Ottina passed the sign up sheet for a trip on Dec. 20 to view the Italian Hall’s exhibit, “The Italian Experience in Los Angeles, 1827-1927.” Marinelli explained how to get there. www.italianhall.org for more info.

NEW BUSINESS: Vinnie Raso suggested that we go with our spouses as a group on a cruise.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jim Tooey announced that “A Night of Comedy” to benefit The Tumor Humor Fund will be held on Dec. 13, from 8 to 10 p.m. at O’Brien’s Pub, 2941 Main St., Santa Monica. He suggested that we go as a group.

Pres Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Jan. 17th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Feb. 7th meeting. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.