GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of February 21, 2009 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 conducted a moment of silence for our deceased brothers; our servicemen; our bartender Richard Covino, who is going through chemo cancer treatments; Brothers Peter Milano and Frank Monteleone, who are ill, and Brothers Leo Matranga, Larry Ottima and Ronnie La Berbera, who have lost loved ones recently.

Sec. Bill Poleri reported that there is an omission and error on the minutes for Feb. 7th meeting. The omission was that he forgot to mention that Steve Toby who donated the American and Italian flags. Toby received a big hand. The error was the misspelling of guest Frank De Santis, Jr., as Frank Mangio. D’Arrigo motioned to accept the corrected minutes. John Antonucci 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 Feb. 7th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 33; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $462. Incomes were 50/50, $35; Carmine Marinelli’s $35 50/50 winnings to the club’s misc. fund; Pin, $5; Dues Overpayment, $5, and Dues, $105. Expenses were postages and labels, $89.45 and Christmas Party films and clowns, $357. Oliva motioned to accept. Ian Castellucci seconded it. The motion passed. Pres. Corbo presented $20 to the general fund which came from Vinny and Karen Raso, who earned it from playing at a Valentine party and another $10 from their tips.

OLD BUSINESS: Man-of-the-Year Dinner Chairman Murgo reminded everyone to get their tickets early since there is seating for only 125 people. It will be on Sunday, June 28 at Maggiano’s, Woodland Hills, from 5 to10 p.m. The price will be $35 per person and a table for eight or ten can be reserved. Sec. Poleri reported that the club would invite the deceased brothers’ widows. They and a guest will come free of charge. On the subject of an obnoxious guest, Corbo said if a guest acts like a “Jackass”, we have a sergeant-at-arms to escort him out.

Pres. Corbo announced that we are going to use Brother Chaz DeSimone’s design for badges. He said that Treas. di Milo paid $4 for his badge, but Corbo said he could get 250 full color on line for $2.50 each. He said we would need a list of members names. Either the firm that the treasurer got his badge from or the on line company could add the names. He said he would have to check it out. The secretary pointed out that each member would get one badge and one pin free, after which he would have to pay for a lost badge, pin or extra pins. Castellucci questioned if we should also get badges for non-attendees? The answer was yes.

Poleri was questioned when we would have a new directory. He replied as soon as it is decided to give up on those who haven’t paid their dues. Treas. di Milo explained that we have lost seven members so far. This caused an up roar. Corbo said we have great guys who recently joined the club, adding that there are or were a few members who are out for them selves. “We are a private club doing good work,” he explained, “we don’t want those with self interests. Oliva said we should call those who haven’t paid yet. Poleri said they were called by the treasurer several times plus the postcards since last October had a reminder on it. di Milo said he would try again and if they don’t pay by the next meeting they are out. The secretary explained that everyone pays dues except for those who have been a member in good standing for five years and is 90 years old. The treasurer explained that we have members through donations to the misc. fund pay the dues for those who have financial problems. He added that donations are welcome.

Murgo said he is in charge of the email file and wants those who have computers to email them to him at www.goiia.com

Pres. Corbo announced that the Italo-Americano newspaper did a nice article on us but the picture wasn’t any good. Reporter Frank De Santis, who later joined the club, said that the photo came out too dark. Corbo said we are going to get a picture outside after the meeting, so no one takes off. He added that he would email some photos of the club to the papers, plus the ones he would take today. De Santis also will take photos. Poleri said that there are copies of the papers and envelopes to use to subscribe to it for anyone who wants one. The article with pictures will appear in the near future.

NEW BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo asked members to support each other. He told of how he called a member who has recently lost a love one to offer his condolences. When a brother can use a little cheering up, Corbo urged members to give him a friendly call, card or email, to show you care. Somebody asked about flowers, Murgo explained that flowers only go to members.

If any one has photos of the Christmas party, please get copies to club, Corbo asked, explaining that we relied on the cameraman from the Ahead With Horses but he didn’t do a good job. Next time, Corbo said, we would take our own pictures and if anyone wants to be the photographer he would loan him his camera. He urged others to bring their cameras and take pictures.

Corbo announced that the Board of Directors has chosen April 18 as the date that the club would meet at Brother Vito Giovannelli’s restaurant “Casa de Pizza” in Granada Hill. The restaurant at 16161 San Fernando Mission Blvd (Corner of Wooley St.) recently expanded and now can accommodate a meeting. Poleri said that the directions would be posted in the forthcoming minutes and postcards.

SPEAKER: Dr. Joseph Turcillo, MD. FACP, spoke on heart disease.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: John Antonucci said he has a cousin who needs some work on his roof and asked if anyone is in the roofing business or know someone in the business.

Giovannelli announced that “An Evening In Italy With Tony Galla” will be featured at Casa de Pizza in Granda Hills on Tuesday, March 3. Reservations are available from 6 to 6:40 p.m. and 8 to 8:40 p.m. with show times at 6:45 and 8:45 p.m. Call (818) 366-6311 for further information.

Vinny Raso announced that Richard the bartender is now in the hospital and if anyone wants to send him a card his address is: Richard Covino, 3355 Wilshire Blvd., Apt. 1010, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

Carmine Marinelli donated his $35 50/50 winnings to the club’s misc. fund.

Pres Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Mar. 7th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Mar. 21st meeting, which will be when Writer/Author Joan Del Monte will address the club about her third book. Ms. Del Monte is the widow of one of the club’s earlier members, Bob Del Monte, who died Mar. 31, 2001.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

Directory Update:

James W. Giallo

2995 Woodlawn Ave.

San Marino CA 91108

(626) 285-7416

jwg-00@hotmail.com