GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of June 7, 2008 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinny Raso led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and in prayer. Chaplain Jimmy D'Arrigo led the group in the prayer. Pres. Raso then introduced Brother Ron Floreno who conducted a tribute to remember our deceased members. After striking memorial bells several times he solemnly read off the names on the honor roll. He solemnly said: "We miss you, love you and want you to know we are with you. Salute!" The membership replied: "Salute!"

This year's G.O.I.I.A.'s man-of-the-year recipient was President Vincent S. Raso.

Chaplain D'Arrigo read a thank you letter from Rev. Msgr. Robert Gallagher pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church acknowledging G.O.I.I.A.'s $500 donation toward the building of a new Holy Family Service Center.

John Murgo motioned to accept the May 3rd minutes. Vinny Oliver seconded it. The motion passed. The club's web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri announced that the club is now an international organization because Nick Minotti of Canada has joined the group.

Poleri filling in for Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the May 3rd meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 15; Vitello's Luncheon Tab, $210. Income was 50/50, $25; Dues, $17; Donations, $80, and Man-Of-The-Year Dinner Reservations, $610. MOTY Dinner Expenses were Maggiano's Restaurant, $3790.66 (this included the cost of the bartenders, etc.), and Medal, $224.85. Total MOTY dinner income including reservations and donations, was $3150. The cost to the club was $865.57. The balance is $3279.34.

OLD BUSINESS: Chairman D'Arrigo reminded the members that the Senior Shut In Luncheon will be held next Saturday, June 14, at St. Charles' Church Parish Center, corner of Moorpark and Landershim, North Hollywood. He stressed that volunteers are needed as drivers, escorts and cater helpers. He wanted the volunteers to be at the center by 11 a.m. Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo detailed for the newcomers what the luncheon was all about. GOIIA hosts a catered luncheon at the parish center for those seniors who rarely get out of their quarters. The volunteers, who pay for their own lunch, serve as chauffeurs, escorts, entertainers and waiters.

NEW BUSINESS: Murgo announced that a new Italian-American play, "The Basement" by Darrell Fusaro, is being presented at the Whitefire Theatre, Sherman Oaks, from June 14 through July 26. There's no performance on July 5. Murgo pointed out that the price is $20 but if we go as a group it's much cheaper. He explained that a group of 10 to 19 persons is $15 and more than 20 it is only $12. Murgo thought June 28 might be a good night to go. If anyone is interested see him later.

SPEAKER: Bart Inglese, the Federated Italo-Americans of South California Parliamentarian, spoke about his group. Inglese, who was born in Sicily and arrived in this country in 1955, is a retired CMSgt. Air Force having served 42 years and a retired USDA inspector. He explained that the FIASC is an umbrella organization for the Italian/American groups in the region. There are 53 active and 10 inactive Italian/American groups and 650,000 Italian/Americans in Southern California. FIASC holds two events a year - one to observe the Republic anniversary and the other, Columbus Day. On the former, the group honors two Italian born Americans and on the latter two Italian Americans. They also host visitors from Italy and produce a monthly calendar listing all the Italian/American groups activities that they know about. FIASC also meets once a month and invites two representatives from each club.

Pres Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be July 19th at Vitello's Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Aug. 2nd meeting. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

Directory change & additions:

Fred Oliva's new email address is: fred.oliver@yahoo.com

Eric Bertolli.............Frank A. DeSimone

18346 Collins St. Apt.1...14105 Village 4

Tarzana CA 91356..........Camarillo CA 93012

(505) 249-2413 (H)........(805) 484-7308

(505) 249-2413 (B)

ksigunm@aol.com ..........desimonef@verizon.net

Dario J. Galatolo.........Nick Minotti

5220 Topeka Dr............109 Marc Andre Fortier

Tarzana CA 91356..........Chateauguay Que. J6J6C1, Canada

(818) 343-4308............(450) 699-3270 (H)

(818) 343-5345 (Fax)......(514) 298-3520 (B)

n/a.......................nick.minotti@gmail.com