GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of November 15, 2008 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms John Oliva called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinnie Corbo led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo then led the group in the prayer. Pres. Corbo then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, (Rocco Passanante and Joey Dorando), our servicemen, fire victims and Richard, our bartender, who already received two chemo cancer treatments and he has one to go.

D’Arrigo motioned to accept the minutes for Nov 1st meeting. Oliva seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri pointed out that there are five Saturdays in November, which means the next meeting would be three weeks from today on Dec. 6.

Sec. Poleri announced that our latest member, Carlo Pavia, is from Australia. He added that Brother Peter Badalamenti of Milwaukee would be in Los Angeles the weekend of Dec. 6 and would try to make a meeting.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Nov. 1st meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 27; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $378. Incomes were 50/50, $30, and Dues, $140. The balance is $4109.19. John Murgo motioned to accept. Vinny Oliver seconded it. The motion passed.

The treasurer reminded members that their $35 dues were due in October. He urged them to pay it Now.

OLD BUSINESS: Murgo reported a lot of guys signed up for kitchen duty for the Children’s Christmas Party. He stressed that this also includes serving dinners and everyone will clean up afterward. D’Arrigo said that the church would rather have the event catered because the caterers always cleanup. Murgo assured D’Arrigo that “we’ll leave the kitchen better than we found it.”

Pres. Corbo reported that he needs volunteers to work in the main room to be greeters and entertainers to the children and their families. He said he wants the event to be a “club function, our function – to do something as a whole, to give the kids a really good time.”

Oliva asked how many children would be there? Treas. di Milo said that Ahead With Horses promised to give him a count right after Thanksgiving. Answering the question of how we should be dressed, Corbo said that we should look nice. di Milo urges volunteers to wear their tags. Vinny and Karen Raso will perform at the party.

NEW BUSINESS: Pres, Corbo said he would like to have outside speakers to give a short talk at the meeting. He asked how many would be interested in having someone speaking about living trust. The response was light since most members already have a trust. Vice Pres. Oliver said he has a friend who was a FBI agent and would give an interesting talk. Of course, the usual jokes about the mafia and the FBI were heard. Murgo bet it wouldn’t be boring. Oliver also suggested that Brother Steve Toby who works for the city and Brother Carmine Marinelli who was active in politics could give interesting talks.

Pres. Corbo announced that the board named Leo Matranga and Vincent Raso Senior Statemen who would serve as advisors and represent the club as speakers at its functions. Corbo also announced that Lenny Indelicato was named assistant to Treasurer di Milo. He would learn the job and fill in during di Milo’s absence.

Vice Pres. Oliver suggested that for one of our charities we should supports “Soldiers Angels In Iraq,” which sends gift packages to our fighting men.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Larry Ottina said he has a sign up sheet for a trip on Dec. 20 to view the Italian Hall’s exhibit, “The Italian Experience in Los Angeles, 1827-1927.” He will have more information at the next meeting.

Murgo announced that the Man-of-the-Year party would be in either June, July or August.

Oliva said that the Hollywood’s Santa Parade and WinterFest will be on Nov. 30 and the club could get its

name in the parade’s program and web site and it wouldn’t cost much. There would also be a concert. Murgo said that would be up to the board.

Oliva reported that Ron Floreno is in the hospital. Murgo said we need a “get-well committee” to replace Mike Policare who used to handle the buying of flowers and gift baskets for members in the hospital. Pres. Corbo is behind forming this committee, saying we need to support our members.

John Antonucci auctioned off an Italian T-shirt and earned $5 for the club.

Vincent Manfre donated his 50/50 winnings of $20.

ITALIAN WORD OR PHRASE: Pres. Corbo has started a new policy - an Italian word or phrase to be taught at each meeting. He called Vinny Raso to give the phrase, which is Malerugatti,” which means dishonorable or disrepective people.

Pres Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Dec. 6th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Jan. 17th meeting. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.