GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of November 3, 2007 Meeting

Pres. Vinny Raso called the meeting to order and 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.

Ronnie La Barbera motioned to accept the Oct. 20th minutes. Jimmy D’Arrigo seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri reminded all that the dues are due NOW.

Treas. Anthony di Milo read the financial report for the Oct 20th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 30; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $420; 50/50 income, $25; Donation, Mauro Sardi, $100; Income from San Gennaro CDs, $365.53; and Dues, $420. Picnic Summary: 41 Paid (15 No Shows), $287; Comp, One, and Raffle Income, $88.88. Expenses were Postage and Picnic Supplies, $159.70, and Name Labels and Raffle Tickets, $18.69. The balance is $3920.65. John Oliva motioned to accept. Joey Janiak seconded it. The motion carried.

Treas. di Milo asked and received a big hand for Vito Giovannelli for his contribution to the picnic. The treasurer also reminded members that the dues are due NOW.

He also announced that at the end of the meeting an auction will be held for two photos donated by John Oliva. One of the Brooklyn Bridge and the other was a three-picture layout of the Rat Pack.

NEW BUSINESS: Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo brought up the location of the Christmas Party for Handicapped Children since Vitello’s is booked for Dec. 15. He said that his wife Jackie has found a restaurant that could accommodate the party but it’s Chinese - The Great Wall China Restaurant. Sec. Poleri wondered if we could use the church hall but Jimmy D’Arrigo said the hall is booked for all of December. John Murgo said it makes sense to book it at place that can hold the party, adding “it makes no difference to kids whether it’s Chinese or Italian food.” Corbo asked what are the criteria for the party. Poleri explained that it must be able to accommodate between 80 to 100 persons, parking, a ramp for wheelchairs and be located in the Valley. Treas. di Milo preferred having it at Vitello’s on Dec. 1 since the cost is much less. He explained that Vittello’s charges $500 where other places whether it’s a restaurant or hall where the food would be catered will charge $10 a head or more which will come to $1000. Murgo said that we have extra money why not have a change. di Milo explained that we do have other charitable obligations. Murgo stressed that the party is our main charity. Bernard Collura suggested that the board decide. Murgo then motioned that the decision be left up to the Board of Directors. Collura seconded it. The motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS: Pres. Raso asked for a big hand for the work Vinnie Corbo did on the photos for the brochure and directory.

AUCTION – di Milo conducted an auction for the above photos that John Oliva donated. The auction netted the club $81.

Pres. Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Jan. 5th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Jan. 19th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

After the meeting the Board voted to hold the Christmas Party of Handicapped Children on Dec. 1. There will be no meeting Dec. 15. The Nov. 17th meeting will be the last session until next year.

$35 dues is due NOW.