GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of February 16, 2008 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and Sec. Bill Poleri led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance, the prayer and a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, ill members and servicemen. John Antonucci reported that Brother Carmine Marinelli is doing better.

Duke Sella motioned to accept the Feb. 2nd minutes. Michael Costantino seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Anthony di Milo read the financial report for the Feb 2nd meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 27; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $378. Incomes were 50/50, $37, and Dues, $60. Expenses were Postage, $64.50. The balance is $4790.56. John Oliva motioned to accept. Ronnie La Barbera seconded it. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: Mike An’gileo reiterated that Marianna Gatto, Curator at the Los Angeles Italian Hall, will speak on the history of Italian/Americans in Southern California at the March 15th meeting at Vitello’s. The talk will be an audio and video presentation lasting about 20 minutes. He also reminded members that she would be lunching with us so clean language is urged.

Sec. Poleri reported that the DVDs of the History Channel’s “Italians In America,” which Brother Lee Pappas had purchased have come in, along with a second DVD that Pappas has copied, entitled “Italians in Western New York, 1907 – 2007.” to be auctioned off. Oliva suggested since the meeting turn out is small we should wait until we have more members in attendance. Several members asked to auction off at least one of each. Vito Giovannelli won the bid for both DVDs. The others will be auctioned off at a future meeting.

John Murgo reported that Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo, who was home sick, has arranged to put various shirts with our logo on them on our web site and you can purchase whatever style and size of shirts you desire. He added Corbo’s DVD, “Cooking and Cursing with the Grandsons of Italy,” has 380,000 views. It’s on YouTube.

Oliva reported that if we do a pancake breakfast, the Lions Club would help us set it up. Murgo suggested that we have an advance booking for it since many members have trouble digging in their pocket for loose change.

COMMITTEE REPORT: Chairman Charlie Gallo of the Man-of-the-Year dinner Committee reported that he went to Maggiano’s Restaurant to reserve a date for the dinner and was asked if he was with the Tony di Milo’s group. He replied in the affirmative and was told that all the dates he asked about were already booked. He questioned this since Sundays are when there are few social events. He later returned to Maggiano’s and spoke to the manager who he knew and was told the same thing. A short time later he called, disguising his voice and not saying who he was with the Grandsons, and was told that the previous requested dates were available. Several members complained about the restaurant after last year’s dinner. Gallo said this might explains their attitude. Vince Brocato suggested we sue them for discrimination. The chairman checked with other places and said that they aren’t cheap. There are room rents, bartender fees and parking lot fees plus the dinner cost. He suggested we upscale to Mistral Sherman Oaks where there are no above charges but the meal is $40 a head. Since there is no parking available, a valet service has to be hired for $125. He was given several possible dates. Committee member Murgo said that the committee would come up with a place and date.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: di Milo again reported that the TV program “The Price is Right” needs an audience. He explained that several participants had won millions of dollars and these programs haven’t been aired yet. He said that you go to the CBS studios and while the audience is waiting to get in a producer will pick one out of seven persons to appear on the program after he interviews them. The show is taped on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and the interviews take place in the morning.

Ian Castellucci said he is looking for anyone interested in buying and selling with his firm.

Leo Matranga donated his $33 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Sec. Poleri adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be March 15th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the April 5th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.