GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of March 3, 2007 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinny Raso led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and dedicated the upcoming prayer to Chicky Russo, who died Friday, Mar. 2. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo then led the group in the prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased brothers, those that are ill and our servicemen.

Ronnie La Barbera motioned to accept the Feb. 3rd and the Feb. 17th minutes. Vinnie Oliver 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 Feb. 17th meeting. Since the meeting was held at Coley’s , everyone ate from the menu and paid for their fare. Income included 50/50, $28; Dues, $50, and Casa de Pizza Night, $500. Expenses were Casa de Pizza Night, $1030, and Postage, $52. Account balance is $3758. John Murgo motioned to accept. D’Arrigo seconded it.

Treas. di Milo thanked Brother Vito Giovannelli, owner of the Casa de Pizza, for his $350 donation. Giovannelli received a big hand. The treasurer suggested we should hold more fund raisers to help pay for our charities, like the Christmas Party for Handicapped Children and the luncheon for Shut In Seniors. He also said that he would like to do away with the picnic fee.

NEW BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo held a plastic name tag pin and asked how many would prefer to have these plastic pins which they can take home. He said that they cost around $7.50 to $8 each and each member would have to pay for their own. Murgo questioned the need for such pins and added that if members took them home they would forget to bring them to the meeting. When asked how many would like to have the plastic pins only three hands went up. The matter was dropped.

Vinny Oliver asked about Chicky Russo, saying that we don’t know much about him. John Antonucci said he knew Chicky back in Buffalo. He paid tribute to Chicky by relating something about him. He said that Chicky was a class act, telling of when as a maitre de, Chicky was the perfect gentleman to the ladies. Antonucci also mentioned that Chicky had the first bartender school in the area.

OLD BUSINESS: The treasurer reported that only six persons made reservations to attend the March 17th meeting and St. Joseph’s Day celebration at Dr. Turcillo’s home is at 3506 Malibu Country Drive, Malibu. Prez. Raso asked those planning to attend to raise their hands. Sec. Poleri took a count and reported 22 reservations, including guests. Poleri also reported that the directions to the home would be on the next postcard.

Treas. di Milo urged members to attend Chicky’s funeral and to wear their GO.I.I.A. pins.

Pres. Vinny Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Mar. 17th at Dr. Turcillo’s home at 11:30 a.m. followed by the April 7th meeting at Vitello’s Restaurant. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

In Memory of Deceased G.O.I.I.A. Brother

Victor J. “Chicky” Russo

Born Oct. 15, 1931 Died March 2, 2007

Survived by

Children – Victor A., Susan and Laura

Grandchildren- Tino, Catherine, Jeffrey, Renee and Victoria