GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of February 2, 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 led the group in the prayer. Pres. Raso then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, deceased relatives of members, members and relatives of members who are ill and our servicemen. Raso announced that Len Idelicato’s wife recently beat lung cancer with surgery.

Joe Turcillo motioned to accept the Jan 19th minutes. Rocco Telese 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 Jan. 19th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 31; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $434. Incomes were 50/50, $25; Pins, $10, and Dues, $130. The balance is $4758.06. John Oliva motioned to accept. Holzer seconded it. The motion carried.

Dr. Joe Turcillo gave an interesting and informative talk on prostate cancer and other relative problems.

OLD BUSINESS: Vice Pres. Corbo reported that the trailer for his DVD, “Cooking and Cursing with the Grandsons of Italy,” has 268,000 views. Pres. Raso lauded Corbo for making the trailer and putting it on YouTube. He said that he heard from friends back in New Hampshire about the DVD. Other members also heard from relatives and friends from everywhere about the DVD. Raso added that we are being recognized for doing good things. Turcillo said we are international, not provincial. By being on the YouTube and not just our web site we have reached many more people.

Mike An’gileo reported 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. She would be lunching with the club so clean language is urged. An’gileo explained that the old Italian district was downtown LA around Broadway. Turcillo suggested that if anyone knows of a prominent Italian-American or has any Italian memorabilia he should mention it to her. An’gileo said she would be more interested in stuff that has a So. Cal. history rather than an East Coast one.

An’gileo also suggested that more members put their grandfather’s pictures on the web site.

Corbo said that there are still openings on the various committees. See him to sign up. John Murgo suggested that we look into the San Gennero Festival coming up soon in Santa Clarita. Several members said that we tried to participate last year but were given a tough time. Corbo said he would check it out.

NEW BUSINESS: Vice Pres. Corbo reported that Jimmy D’Arrigo was able to secure dates to hold our senior luncheon and Children’s Christmas Party at the St. Charles Church’s hall. Corbo explained that the church is expanding its facilities and if we donate an item, like a table or a kitchen appliance instead of renting the hall we would get the club’s name listed on a plaque. The hall rent is $250 for each event. Larry Ottiva motioned that we donate an item chosen by the board. Michael Costantino seconded it. The motion passed.

Sec. Bill Poleri reported that Brother Lee Pappas had purchased several DVD’s of the History Channel’s “Italians In America,” which was presented several years ago on television. Pappas felt that they would be a good fund raiser. Poleri said that he viewed the 100-minute program and highly recommend it. He said he plans to auction them off but he wondered if he should wait until he has the other four. The group felt that we should auction them all off together. John Oliva suggested having a lottery for them might bring in more money.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be March 1st at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the March 15th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

Following the meeting, the Man-of-the-Year Committee met. It includes Tony di Milo, Vinny Oliver, Charlie Gallo and John Murgo. Gallo was elected chairman.