GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of February 7, 2009 Meeting

Pres. Vinnie Corbo called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo then led the group in the prayer, and Pres. Corbo led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, our servicemen, Richard, our bartender, who is going through chemo cancer treatments and Brother Peter Milano, who is ill.

Ronnie La Berbera motioned to accept the minutes for Jan. 17th meeting. Vinny Oliver 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 Jan. 17th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 40; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $560. Incomes were 50/50, $45; Vincent Dino’s 50/50 winnings, $45; Misc., $5, and Dues, $560. G.O.I.I.A. Board of Directors approved Brother Dr. Joseph Turcillo’s request for $100 donation to the City of Hope Hospital. Along with the club’s donation, Brother Victor Russo donated $100 in memory of his father Brother Chicky Russo; Brother Joe Civitated donated $20, and individual members of the board (Pres. Corbo, Vice Pres. Oliver, Sec. Bill Poleri, Treas. Tony di Milo and Board Member John Murgo) donated $180 for a total of $400. Expenses were postages, $55.68; Turcillo’s refund for overpayment of dues, $35; Chairman Murgo for MOTY dinner reservation, $500; Murgo, $391.65, and Vito Giovannelli, $187.56 for Christmas Party food. The balance is $3838.65. Murgo motioned to accept. D’Arrigo seconded it. The motion passed.

APPRECIATION: Dr. Joe Turcillo thanked the club for its generous donation to the City of Hope Hospital. He said that he was overwhelmed and reported that the hospital board members were very pleased but they never heard of the club. Dr. Turcillo who is the only Italian/American on the board was very proud and hoped it will help the hospital research program where the findings go from the lab to the clinical stage much quicker than most research labs. Brother Frank Foti, a recent cancer survivor, said that the City of Hope saved his life and the hospital paid his bill until the insurance came through.

Pres. Corbo thanked Lee Pappas who paid for the club’s URL web site for two more years. He added that Pappas also handles the minutes’ updates on the web site.

NEW BUSINESS: Vice Pres. Vinny Oliver announced that Writer/Author Joan Del Monte will speak at the March 21st meeting on 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.

Brother Vito Giovannelli asked the membership if they would be interested in holding one meeting at his expanded Casa de Pizza restaurant in Granada Hills. Murgo asked about a date, if it would be a regular or extra meeting. Giovannelli answered a regular meeting. The Board of Directors took it under advisement. Brother Lenny Indelicato suggested if we do meet at a different venue, the postcard should be printed in red so the membership would realize the change.

Ronnie La Barbera suggested that there should be an assistant Sergeant-at-Arms. No action was taken.

OLD BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo asked for any photos taken at the Children’s Christmas Party. He said that several members were taking pictures and he would like copies for the web site. He was told that the Ahead With Horses representative was also taking pictures. He said he would check that out. He also asked for members’ photos for the web site. He especially needs a photo of Sgt.-at-Arms John Oliva.

Chairman Murgo updated the Man-of-the-Year Dinner information. 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 ten can be reserved. Murgo said he hoped for a large turnout. Dax Litto asked if there would be an overhead projector so the club can show videos and photos of the club activities. Murgo said he would check into it, but believed that may increase the price by a dollar or two.

Treas. di Milo reminded members to wear their badges. He said new badges are being design by Brother Chas DeSimone and Pres. Corbo that won’t have any pins that might damage one’s shirt.

GUEST: Frank Mangio, reporter for the Italo-Americano, attended the meeting. He planned to do a news story on the club. He also promoted the weekly newspaper, which is written half in Italian and half in English. He is thinking about joining the club.

Condolences were offered to Leo Matranga, Ronnie La Berbera, Larry Ottima and past member Larry Mascari, all who have recently lost relatives.

ITALIAN WORD OR PHRASE: The Italian word for the day is “Penza a Saluda,” which means, “Think About Health.”

Jim Valentine donated his $46 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Feb. 21st at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Mar. 7th meeting. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.