GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of January 17, 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. Pres. Corbo then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, our servicemen, and Richard, our bartender, who is going through chemo cancer treatments.

Sec. Bill Poleri reported that there was an omission on the minutes for Dec. 6. He left out that Lenny Indelicato donated his $51 50/50 winnings: $20 went to the Tumor Humor Fund and $31 went back to the club. D’Arrigo then motioned to accept the minutes for Dec. 6th meeting. Al Miller 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 Dec. 6th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 33; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $462 paid for by Past President Joe Picarella. Incomes were 50/50, $51 and Lenny Idelicato’s$31 donation from his 50/50 winning. The balance is $4454.14. John Murgo motioned to accept. Ronnie Floreno seconded it. The motion passed. The financial report for the party will be presented at the next meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo reported that the recent Children’s Christmas Party was the best ever, with five clowns and two magicians and plenty of gifts from members and Santa. He was especially proud of the fact that the club catering the party under the leadership of Board Member John Murgo.

He then thanked everyone for their contributions: Leo Matranga, his wife, Jackie, Lenny Indelicato, John Antonucci and Fr. Gallagher from St. Charles Church for their gifts; Greg Holzer for being Santa; Vinny and Karen Russo for the entertainment; Murgo and his kitchen crew – Vito Giovenelli (who also provided some of the food), Mike Perrotta, Richard Muccillo, Steve Toby; D’Arrigo for obtaining the hall and passing out the soda; servicing crew – Co Capt.Victor Russo & Matty Iadanza, Mike An’gileo, Joey Janiak, Vinny Dino, John and Fred Oliver, Larry Ottima (who also helped with parking), Frank DeSimone, Dax Litto, Ian Castellucci; Rocco Telese and his friend, the magicians; Vinny Oliver for bringing the clowns; Bill Poleri, parking with the help of Ottima; and Tony di Milo, Poleri and himself for toy buying.

Pres. Corbo announced that the date for the party next year is Dec. 5, explaining that D’Arrigo had arranged with the church for that date. He added that the date hinged on construction planned for the church.

Oliver introduced two of the clowns who participated at the Christmas Party. They were Robert Horowitz, a private investigator, and Bob Nadler, a lawyer.

Giovannelli, Matranga and Murgo all said that we have enough versatility in the club that we can do anything. Murgo, who thanks his crew, added that there should be no reason why we can’t do a fund-raiser. Corbo said we could do more things.

Ottima reported that several members of the club attended at the Italian Hall Museum exhibit on Dec. 20.

Corbo announced that pictures from the picnic and party would be on the next web site.

NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Murgo announced the date for the Man-of-the-Year Dinner. It will be on Sunday, June 28 at Maggiano’s, Woodland Hills. The price will be $35 per person. Murgo said he would like to see about 125 persons at the event. Last year’s recipient Vinny Raso said that the event shows up in a respectable image.

SPEAKER: Brother Joseph Turcillo, known as Dr. Joe, spoke on preserving our organs’ reserves. He also

passed around pamphlets about research papers he was involved in back in the 50’s. Dr. Joe is also on the Board

of Directors at City of Hope Hospital. He asked the club for $100 donation. Al Miller thought that was a good idea. Pres. Corbo said that the board made all donation decisions.

Vinny Dino donated his $45 50/50 winnings back to the club.

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

Following the meeting The Board of Directors met and voted for a $100 donation to the City of Hope. Brother Victor Russo also donated $100 in memory of his father Brother Chicky Russo. Brother Joe Civitate donated $20 and individual members of the board (Pres. Corbo, Vice Pres. Oliver, Sec. Poleri, Treas. di Milo and Member Murgo) donated $180. Therefore $400 will be donated to the City of Hope Hospital.

Directory Update:

Vincent Corbo, Sr.

Bonita Spring, Fl.

Vjcorbo@msn.com

Paul ;M. Pacheco

8081 Worthy Drive

Westminster, CA 92683

(661) 209-8108 (H)

(310) 568-0206 (B)

Aktingprod@aoal.com

James J. Valentine

324 So. Virginia Ave.

Burbank, 91506

(818) 846-2593