GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of June 2, 2007 Meeting

Pres. Vinny Raso 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. Raso called for a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, especially John Murgo who under went back surgery yesterday and our servicemen.

Vinny Oliver motioned to accept the May 19th minutes. Steve Loyacano seconded it. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the May 19th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 21; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $294; 50/50 income, $28; Michael Picarella donated $14 of his 50/50 winnings; Small Pins, $5; Man-of-the-Year Dinner, $60, and Misc., $10. Expenses: Deposit for Man-of-the-Year Dinner, $500. The balance is $2885.81. Bernardo Collura motioned to accept. John Euli seconded it. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo announced that the date for the Man-of-the-Year Dinner will be Sunday, Aug. 26th at Maggiano’s Restaurant from 12 to 4 p.m. The cost is $30 per person. For reservations call di Milo at (818) 907-6777.

di Milo updated the membership on finding a new location for the annual picnic since Crestwood Hill Park, Brentwood is unavailable due to repair. He said he checked out several parks but wasn’t satisfied. He said we need a park that is secure and private. He is going to check on a park in Pacific Palisades.

NEW BUSINESS: Chairman D’Arrigo of the Luncheon Committee for Senior Shut-Ins announced that the luncheon would be held on Saturday, Aug. 4 in lieu of a regular meeting. The event will take place at St. Charles Church Parish Center. Corner of Moorpark and Lankershim in North Hollywood,

ANNOUNCMENT: Michael An’gileo announced that this past Memorial Day, May 28th, was Brother Salvatore Sportelli’s 90th birthday. An’gileo pointed out that this dignified member’s birthday to fall on Memorial Day is his World War II service record. Sportelli, who was awarded several medals, landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The nonagenarian told of how he hit the beach. Seeing all the dead American soldiers lying on the beach and machine gun bullets whizzing by, he fell down among the corpses and played dead for two and a half days. When he saw the enemies’ pill boxes destroyed by artillery and aircraft he stood up and said, using a line from a Clint Eastwood’s movie, “you made my day.” A few days later he was sent back to England to help form a band, which entertained soldiers just behind the lines. Sportelli also thanked An’gileo for driving him to the meeting. He mentioned the late Joe Minnillo who used to drive him before he died. He called Mike a “God sent driving him.” Sportelli is legally blind.

La Barbera reminded members that Antonucci is willing to hold a garage sale at his place with the proceeds going to the club, so bring in anything you might want to donate.

Ver Van Hecke donated $20 of his $33 50/50 winnings back to the club in memory of the late Chickie Russo.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be June 16th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the July 21st meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.