GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes for January 20, 2007

Pres. Vinny Raso called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and Chaplin Jimmy D’Arrigo led the group in prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased brothers, those that are ill

and our servicemen.

Vinny Oliver motioned to accept the Jan. 6th minutes. Nick Oliver seconded it. D’Arrigo recorded the minutes filling in for Sec. Bill Poleri. 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. 6th meeting. Members attending luncheon were 25; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $350; 50/50 income, $30; Vito Giavannelli’s 50/50 winning donation, $30, and Dues, $411. Account balance is $3367.90. Leo Matranga motioned to accept. Len Indelicato seconded it. The motion carried. $150 ($50 from Matranga and $100 from Joe Herrington) is being held for Casa di Pizza party.

Sec. Poleri asked Mike Policare, one of the club’s founders, to say a few words since this was his last meeting. Poleri announced that Policare is moving to Colorado at the end of the month. Policare said “I will miss you guys.”

OLD BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo announced that the upcoming dinner/concert in the Sinatra Room at Casa di Pizza will be held either on Feb. 12 or 19, a Monday night. He said that the event includes a complete dinner and a performance by Tony Gallo and his Group. The price is $50 a person and wives, sweethearts and etc., are welcome. He said more than 40 persons are needed to attend for the event to break even. He added that Brother Vito Giavannelli, owner of Casa de Pizza, would donate a portion of the proceeds to the club. John Murgo questioned “why give something for the dinner instead of giving it to the club directly?” Another question asked was how many had paid so far. The treasurer’s answer was $150 had been paid and 12 others had stated they plan to attend. He urged the members to let him know.

NEW BUSINESS: Dr. Joe Turcillo again offered his home to the members on March 17th for both a meeting and the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day which is March 19th, a Monday. When someone mentioned that March 17th was St. Patrick’s Day, the replied from several guys was “we aren’t Irish.” Treas. di Milo asked if members can bring guests. The answer was in the affirmative. The club accepted Dr. Turcillo’s invitation. Brother Pasta Jardula will cater the event. He said he would do it at cost. There was too much unnecessary discussion by several members who were acting like Doubtful Thomas on Jardula’s ability to deliver. Policare said we should trust our members. Finally Pres. Raso assigned Jardula to cater the meeting, which everyone was in favor. Ronnie La Barbera asked if Pasta could serve cold cuts with some pasta just for a change. Pasta said he could do what the group wanted.

Mike Ardizone suggested that we participate in the Santa Clarita’s second annual Italian Festival, which starts May 17th. He said that he would confirm the dates and the price of a booth. He reported that last year’s Festival had more than 250,000 in attendance, adding that the event has entertainment and rides. At last year’s Santa Gennero Festival the club shared a both with POINT, the Italian Genealogy Group. Ardizone said that he and Nick Collura are going to have a booth at the Santa Clarita’s Festival and they can share the booth with the club. Sec. Poleri called for the suggestion to be tabled until a future meeting giving Ardizone time to get details about the festival. The discussion was tabled.

Vinnie Carbo donated his $25 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres. Vinny Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 3rd at Vitello’s Restaurant followed by the Feb. 17th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri