GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of January 5, 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, those that are ill and our servicemen.

Michael An’gileo motioned to accept the Nov. 17th minutes. Carmine Marinelli 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 Nov. 17th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 28; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $392 – Joe Picarella paid for the tab. Incomes were: 50/50, $45; Richard Muccillo’s 50/50 winning, $35; Donations: Tonia Caruso, $100; Label Tex Mills, $400; Victor Russo, $200; Vinnie Corbo, $100; Lee Pappas, $20, and Larry Ottina, $20; and Dues, $750. Expenses, Postage, $40.52. Christmas Party Summary: Expenses -Cash Gifts, $200; Vitello’s, $500; Toys, $330.17; Face Painters, $285; Film/Plague, $125 for a total of $1441.24; Donations, $$840 for a $601.24 cost to the club. The balance is $4014.88. D’Arrigo motioned to accept. Victor Russo seconded it. The motion carried.

Brother Chaz De Simone was given a big hand for his work as a face painter at the children’s party.

OLD BUSINESS: To have or have not a lunch on the club for spending most of a day buying toys for the Handicapped Children’s Christmas Party reared its’ ugly head again. Tony di Milo explained that three members went downtown, brought the toys, picked them up, tagged them for the various ages and then had lunch. He thinks that it was proper. Besides di Milo, Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo and Sec. Bill Poleri participated in buying the toys. John Murgo argued that we are a service organization and buying lunches isn’t a service. Ronnie La Barbera argued with Murgo saying that he was in favor of them having lunches since they are doing all the work. Dr. Joe Turcillo said the he respects where Murgo is coming from but di Milo did make a full disclosure, therefore the issue calls for a vote. Corbo feels that we shouldn’t have lunch on the club, saying “I donate my time. It’s for the kids.” Poleri feels that the club shouldn’t begrudge them a lunch once a year for all the work they do through the year. Leo Matranga asked: “what the hell are we arguing about? Patsy Perriello wondered the same thing. Steve Lord feels that they do the work they are entitled to a lunch. Turcillo motioned that the club buys them lunch. Carmine Marinelli seconded it. Corbo said that this might set a precedent, like the San Gennaro Festival. Turcillo said it’s only for buying of the toys for the Christmas party. Pres. Raso called for a vote. There were 12 in favor, five against and three abstained. The motion passed. Raso then closed the debate.

John Antonucci again suggested that a rummage sale would be a big fund-raiser for the club. He explained that the club needs to pick out a date and a few days before then members would bring their stuff that they are donating to his place. He added that it has to be on a Saturday, starting at 7 a.m. and he would need help.

NEW BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo pointed to his name pin made of plastic and is held to the shirt by a magnetic bar inside the shirt or its pocket. There is no pin or snap to tear one’s shirt. He said that he could get them for $3.50 each. Sec. Poleri asked if he is suggesting that the club pay for them or the individual member. di Milo felt that individual members could pay for them. De Simone thought the tag looks like a waiter’s tag. Vice Pres. Corbo said the tag wasn’t clear and could use a better resolution. He said more research is needed.

Pres. Raso said that the club’s various events are occurring at the same time of the year. Poleri said that the events should be spaced out - the Christmas party in the winter; the picnic the fall; the senior lunches in the summer and the man –of-the-year in the spring. Raso said a committee with a chairman for each event should be named and they report to the club. Murgo suggested that the board name the committees. Poleri said that theby-laws allow the president to name committees and their chairmen. Murgo said this will get more members physically involved, and Raso said that this will spread the work around.

Corbo said that a San Gennaro committee should be added to the list. Holzer and D’Arrigo asked for a nominating committee for the annual election.

Turcillo suggested that the club honor the deceased members, like Chicky Russo, by mentioning their names at each meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: di Milo reported that the TV program “The Price is Right” needs an audience. He said that program is taped on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and if there are enough persons to attend, they will send a bus. He added that you could be a participant or get paid in some way. (This was a little confusing to the secretary but if you are interested check with di Milo.)

Mike An’gileo reported that the Italian Museum in LA is developing the Italian-American history. It’s one of the largest such museums in the country. He said that a coordinator from the museum could bring a slide show to the meeting. He would get further information on this.

Greg Holzer who played Santa Claus at the Handicapped Children’s Party said he received a Christmas Card from Ahead With Horses with his picture on the card. He thanked them. Pres. Raso said he received a plaque from them.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Feb.2nd at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Feb. 16th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.