GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of March 15, 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 the group in prayer. He then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, especially Brother Jimmy D’Arrigo, our chaplain, his Anna D’Arrigo, and our servicemen.

Ronnie La Barbera motioned to accept the Mar 1st minutes. Mike Perrotta 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 Mar 1st meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 26; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $364. Incomes were 50/50, $32; Joey Russo’s 50/50 winning, $33; Income From DVD’s auction, $58, and Dues, $95. Expenses: Postage, $52. The balance is $5070.56. John Murgo motioned to accept. Vinny Oliver seconded it. The motion carried.

GUEST SPEAKER: Marianna Gatto, Curator at the Los Angeles Italian Hall, spoke on the history of Italian/Americans in Southern California. The audio and video presentation lasted about 20 minutes. It was very informative and interesting. She explained that the building where the Italian community used to meet in the old Italian neighborhood has been renovated and will open sometime this year as The Italian Hall Museum. The appreciative audience gave her a big hand.

OLD BUSINESS: Man-of-the-Year Dinner Committee member John Murgo announced that the event would be a dinner instead of the usual luncheon. It will be held at Maggiano’s Restaurant on Sunday, May 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. The cost per member and one guest is $30 each. For all other guests it will be $35. The club is picking up the extra $5 for a member and one of his guests. He said that this is an open event and urged members to invite friends. He added that the committee is shooting for 100 persons. Murgo also said that the menu would be a little different than last year. Since there were a few complaints about the salmon, it has been taken off. The meal will be served family style. If there isn’t enough food at your table just tell the waitress and more will be served, he explained. La Berbera asked about parking and Murgo said there is plenty and it is free. He also said that this is an evening affair that dress should be tie and jacket. Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo said that pictures would be taken so look your best. Leo Matranga asked about the disrespectful treatment that the committee chairman received earlier from the restaurant. Murgo said that was all a misunderstanding.

Corbo invited Brother Chaz De Simone to speak about designing new badges. De Simone showed several drawings of badges from white plastic ones with our new logo on them and brass ones also with the logo. He praised Corbo for the design of the logo. He passed the drawings around and explained that Tony di Milo can get the plastic ones for $3.75 each and the brass ones cost $8.38. Corbo felt that brass ones look so much better and just a few dollars more. Murgo asked if a smaller logo pin could be made so it could always be worn. De Simone said that smaller pins can be made and it can also be affixed to a badge. Corbo pointed out that we are still in the research stage.

AUCTION: An old album of Frank Sinatra, donated by John Antonucci was auctioned off.

Corbo donated $10 of his 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be April 19th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the May 3rd meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.