GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of March 1, 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 led the group in prayer. He then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill and our servicemen.

Vinny Oliver motioned to accept the Feb. 16th minutes. John Oliva 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 Feb 16th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 21; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $294. Incomes were 50/50, $33; Leo Matranga’s 50/50 winning, $33, and Dues, $70. Expenses were “Italians In America” & “Italians in Western New York” DVDs, $42 which was off set by donations of $10 each from Lee Pappas and Bill Poleri, leaving a final cost of $22. The balance is $4904.56. John Murgo motioned to accept. Pasta Jardula seconded it. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: Man-of-the-Year Dinner Committee member John Murgo visited Maggiano’s Restaurant and learned that the reason the club was turned down by the restaurant was that the club required two rooms and Maggiano couldn’t accommodate us. Murgo reported that the committee is looking else where and not necessarily at Italian restaurants. Mike An’gileo thought an Italian restaurant would be better. Murgo pointed out an economy reason: “some members can’t afford $50 a head cost.” Pres. Raso said we don’t want to embarrass anyone. Vice Pres. Corbo said we should trust the committee to come up with a place. Dax Litto added that the committee is doing a good job, especially Chairman Charlie Gallo.

Vice Pres. Corbo asked if the MOY Dinner committee is entitled to a free lunch. The membership responded with a loud yes.

Pres. Raso reported that Corbo’s DVD, “Cooking and Cursing with the Grandsons of Italy,” has 475,000 views. It’s on YouTube. Raso praised the work behind the scene being done by Corbo, who is getting email from across the country praising us for what we do with our charity works. He added that we are making connections with clubs in other parts of the country.

VP Corbo passed around a sheet with various plastic name badges drawn up by Brother Chaz DeSimone and asked members to chose the one they like, so the club can order the most popular one.

NEW BUSINESS: Some member asked if a member couldn’t bring non-male relatives or friends to our meetings. An empathic no from the membership was the response.

VP Corbo introduced David Jones, a friend of Corbo who will be filming our meetings.

Treas. di Milo reported that the Las Vegas chapter would like to buy some of our pins. Jardula suggested that we sell them for $1 each. The membership enthusiastically agreed.

HEALTH LECTURE: Dr. Joe Turcillo, a member, began a lecture on the history of wine but he had to continue it to a future meeting since he had an appointment else where.

New member Joey Russo donated his $32 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be April 5th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the April 19th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.