GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of November 17, 2007 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinny Raso led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo led the group in the prayer. Pres. Raso then led the group in a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, our servicemen and the fire victims.

Pres. Raso read a card from Past Pres. Joe Picarella, which reads: “Grandsons of Italy In America, First Let me say it was great to see all of you again. Moreover, it makes feel good that the club is growing and I am very happy with the successful plans laid out by your officers. Your ideas are intriguing.

“I want to extend thanks to all of you for your prayers in remembrance of my m other who recently passed away. I most certainly appreciate it.

“Finally, I want to buy you guys lunch for your year end meeting. This is your Xmas gift in lieu of Xmas cards as I can’t afford all that dammed postage. Have a great Holiday season, Yours, Joe Picarella.”

Pres. Raso also read a card addressed to all members of G.O.I.I.A., which read: “Saluti da Ravanusa.” It was from Brother John Antonucci, who is visiting Italy.

Sec. Bill Poleri handed a note to Pres. Raso from Tonia Caruso who has donated $100 to the club. Raso read the note: “G.O.I.I.A. Just because. With Love Tonia.” Mrs. Caruso is the widow of the late Brother Anthony Caruso, an actor who played in more than 100 movies and 200 TV shows.

Nick Oliver motioned to accept the Nov. 3rd minutes. Ralph Forte 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 Nov. 3rd meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 29; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $406; 50/50 income, $30; Auction: John Murgo, $21 and Vito Giovanelli, $50; Donation, Giovanelli, $10; Dues, $245; Picnic Donation, $35, and Pins, $7. The balance is $4266.11. Leonardo Indelicato motioned to accept. Richard Muccillo seconded it. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo said that the Christmas Party for Handicapped Children would be held on Dec. 1 in lieu of a meeting and volunteers would be called. Sec. Poleri reminded all that there will be no meeting on Dec. 15 and the next meeting will be Jan. 5, 2008. Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo announced that Brother Rocco Telese and a friend of his will do magic tricks at the party. Corbo also said that he had hired another face painter to help out the one di Milo hired. Leo Matranga was concerned about the size of the restaurant. Corbo said that we could spill out into the rest of the restaurant if need be, emphasizing that all guests will be accommodated. Poleri stressed that the parking lot is reserved for the handicapped kids so members will have to park on the street. It is hoped that next year the club would be able to host the party at the church social hall where there’s plenty of room and a large parking lot.

NEW BUSINESS: Dax Little suggested that we should be looking for our own place. Mardy DeSanto said that someone might even donate a space to us.

Muccillo donated his $35 of $45 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Jan. 19th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Feb. 2nd meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.