GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of November 1, 2008 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms John Oliva called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinnie Corbo led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and in the prayer. Pres. Corbo then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, our servicemen and Richard, our bartender, who is being treated for cancer.

Sec. Bill Poleri pointed out two errors in the Oct. 20th minutes. Under Election Results for Treasurer Monfre should read Manfre and under directory additions the last line stevetoby53@msa.com should read stevetoby@msn.com Rocco Telese motioned to accept the corrected minutes. Steve Toby seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case).

Sec. Poleri pointed out that there are only two meetings left this year - one on Nov. 15 and one on Dec. 6. There will be no meeting on Dec. 20 due to the upcoming holidays and the Children’s Christmas Party is on Dec. 13.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Oct.20th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 32; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $448. Incomes were Picnic Donations, Tonia Caruso, $30, and Frank Monteleone, $30; 50/50, $40, and Dues, $770. Picnic Costs were Tags, $8.43; Supplies, $51.26; Ralph’s, $54.64; Casa di Pizza, $176, and Park Reserveation, $78. Picnic incomes were $240, paid, and $70, donations. There were 41 in attendance, one comp and 11 no shows. The balance is $1318. Telese motioned to accept. Vincent Manfre seconded it. The motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS: Newly elected President Corbo said that he wants to utilize the membership and the officers more. He stressed that anyone who needs something done or has an idea to see the newly elected officers, Murgo, Oliver and Oliva, to get them involved. “Bring your ideas to them,” he urged. He doesn’t want everyone coming to him but to go the other officers so they can take part in the club’s direction.

Corbo also wanted to have more speakers at the meetings like the doctor’s occasional talks. He suggested other talks by our lawyer members and food by our knowledgeable cooks. “Something that will contribute to the meeting. It doesn’t have to be long,” he added. “Sal has some amazing stories,” pointing to Sal Sportelli.

OLD BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo reported that the picnic was a big success thanks to Vito Giovannelli and family, his Aunt Rose, Carolyn and Bill Poleri, Tony di Milo, Patsy Perriello and John Antonnucci, who got Starbucks to donate coffee and his brother Carlo who donated a bocci ball set. Manfre said that his son didn’t know how to play bocci ball until the picnic.

Since we have a great participation by the membership at the San Gennero Festival, Pres. Corbo wants to see the same response for the Handicapped Children’s Christmas Party. “We are catering it ourselves and we need many volunteers,” he emphasized. “We will be in two groups, the kitchen and the dinner room.” John Murgo will be in charge of the kitchen and Corbo will head the dinner room crew. Corbo added that he and Tony di Milo and Bill Poleri would buy the toys. Poleri pointed out that all volunteers will pay $14 for their lunch. di Milo questioned that but Poleri said that we have been charging the volunteers to eat the last few times.

Murgo passed around a sign up list with two columns, one for the kitchen and one for the dinning room. “Everyone will have a jobs – cooking, serving or dish washing. We can make it work if we do it as a team,” he stated. Charlie Gallo asked if someone can bring a specialty dish. “No! This is not a potluck situation. We are catering this ourselves. No body cooking from home,” Murgo answered. Corbo reemphasized “We want to do this as a team.” Antonucci asked if we get a bakery to donate a large cake, would that be okay? “OK,” Murgo replied. Joey Janiak asked about plastic plates. Murgo said he is going to check out plastic plates. He said the final details will be discussed by the board. Manfre asked if we could use the event as a fund-raiser by inviting many paying guests. Murgo said no. Inviting a guest or two to help out is all right. Dax Litto said we should limit the number of guests since the party is for the handicapped kids.

OBSERVANCES: Led by Pres. Corbo, the membership wished Vinny Raso and Carmine Marinelli, who have birthdays coming up, a happy birthday. The members sang off key.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Larry Ottina announced that the Italian Hall is holding an exhibit, “The Italian Experience in Los Angeles, 1827-1927,” and he is wondering if the club would like to tour it as a group on Dec. 20 since there isn’t a meeting that date. Several members have shown an interest in it.

ITALIAN WORD OR PHRASE: Pres. Corbo had started a new policy - an Italian word or phrase to be taught at each meeting. He called John Antonucci to give the phrase, which he did with the help of Carmine Marinelli. The phrase is: “Dio ti Benedica,” which means God Bless You.

Pres Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Nov. 15th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Dec. 6th meeting. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

Directory additions & changes:

Christan Aleardi Colamarco

1148 Meridian Way

Tustin CA 92782

(949) 500-2936

Paul A. Santeramo

28150 Langside Ave.

Canyon Country CA 91351

(661) 298-3626 (H)

(818) 761-1286 (B)

santeramopaul@att.net

Carlo Peter Pavia

26 Harrington Road

Airport West Victoria

Australia 3042

(03) 9310-4440 (H)

(03) 9650-3630 (B) & (FAX)

carlo.pavio@optusnet.com.au

Change John Oliva’s phone number to (818) 324-3325

Change Ron Floreno’s address to:

P.O. Box 1745

Monrovia CA 91017