GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of Nov. 21, 2009 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Paul Pacheco called the meeting to order. Pres. Vinnie Corbo led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo led the group in prayer. Pres. Corbo called for a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, those that are ill, Frank Monteleone and Edward Mazzarino, also for Brother Charlie Gallo’s sister, who died recently.

Joe Forte motioned to accept Nov. 7^th minutes. Jim Valentine seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri announced that Tonia Caruso, widow of Brother Anthony Caruso, has sent us two checks – one for $100 for the Children’s Christmas Party and $140 for fellow brothers who need help. She received a big hand.

Several members asked if anyone heard from Brother Pete Rugolo. Sec. Poleri answered that he received a note from the family asking the club not to send any more letters requiring Rugolo to make a decision.

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Nov. 7^th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 37; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $518; 50/50 income, $45; Dues, $895, and Christmas Party Donations, $125 - Anonymous, $100 and Bill Poleri, $25. The balance is $4898. John Antonucci motioned to accept the report and John Murgo seconded it. The motion passed.

di Milo announced that today’s luncheon was a gift from past president Brother Joe Picarella, who now lives in Washington. It’s Picarella’s way of wishing members a happy holidays, he explained. Picarella received a big hand. Then di Milo motioned to officially thank Picarella. Murgo seconded it, adding we should send him a thank you card. The motion passed. Dax Litto took a video-audio photo of the membership thanking Picarella, which will be sent as a card from all the members.

OLD BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo reported some good news. Frist he announced that Brother Vinny Raso’s birthday bash raised money for the club. Raso presented a $400 check for the club to Corbo. Brother Joe Turcillo praised Raso for his dedication to the club. Corbo said that this was the most money raised by a single member this year. Raso said that he couldn’t have done it without the help of his wife, Karen. Both received a big hand.

NEW BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo’s other big news was what he called the coolest and biggest thing that he ever did, which took place yesterday (Friday, Nov. 20) when he met with the executives of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The MDA agreed to participate in the club’s annual Christmas Party for Handicapped Children on Dec. 5. He explained that MDA is the largest charitable organization in the country, if not in the world.

"A few years ago they wouldn’t speak to us," he pointed out. "After many calls to them, I was finally asked into their office, a big, fancy building, Friday. They saw us as a real organization, were impressed with our logo, brochure and pictures of past parties. This Christmas Party will be enormous." He explained that he will have to check with the church on the hall capacity. "We have to deliver a great party, have to impress them. We talked about helping them in other ways like building wheel chair ramps and at the annual telethon fund drive. The Sons of Italy and UNICO have nothing like this. Afterward I called Mike Policare, one of the club’s founders who now lives in Colorado, and he is making a donation."

There will be physical challenged children from Ahead With Horses and MDA at the party, so Corbo went about teaching the members how to act with the children. First, he said, they want to be treated as normal children. Say hello to all and address them individually, he explained. Ask them questions, be interested in them and be personal. Don’t be negative, do something meaningful and make a difference in their lives are great ways to present yourself to them, he stressed. Guests eat first, don’t just grab the wheel chair, ask the child if he would like help and address the parents and children directly.

Corbo explained that the MDA children start out as normal, by six they are in wheel chairs as their muscles

decay and by their teen years some of them are dead. A few, he said, may live into the 20’s. But, he stressed, they have normal brain capacity. Corbo emphasized that it’s a great feeling taking part in the event. Steve Lord talked about the great experience it is to participate in this party and the senior shut-ins luncheon. "You put in something," he said, "you get something back."

Corbo then went into the volunteers work assignments for the various jobs that need to be done. Those working on Murgo’s team, the kitchen police, need to be at St. Charles Church Hall on Moorpark Ave., at 8 a.m. Those working in the hall under Corbo need to be there between 10 to 10:30 a.m. Corbo read off the lists of workers for each group. Each member has to pay for his lunch as if it were a meeting. If you bring your wife, Murgo pointed out, she will have to work and pay for her lunch. Corbo asked to not bring your whole family because there isn’t room for them. The president said if we blow this I’ll kill everyone.

Litto asked about the toys. Corbo said that the toy committee consisting of di Milo, Poleri and himself has it under control. Couple of members donated toys at the meeting. Karen and Vinny Raso will entertain as they always do. Vito Giovannelli asked if a second band was needed. Corbo said no, that the guests are mostly children. Giovannelli agreed since his combo plays Sinatra music. Rocco Telese will do magic tricks, Corbo and his wife, Jackie, will have three or more clowns and face painters there. Richard Muccillo asked if we have to be out of there by 3 p.m. like last year. Corbo was pretty sure we didn’t have to but will have D’Arrigo to check into it. If there isn’t a party after us, Murgo pointed out, we would have to leave the place spot less.

Pres. Corbo’s closing remarks emphasized the upcoming days are the most important one for the club. "We’ll be tested on this," he stressed. "If we succeed, then we’ll be able to also do a party for handicapped adults next year." When asked about news coverage, Corbo said that he didn’t know about this year but if MDA likes what we do, they will do the publicity in the future. "The first year we are on review," he added.

SPEAKER PROGRAM: Dr. Joe Turcillo spoke on the brain and evolution, a subject he did much research on. He said you could improve your brain functions regardless of age, which is not the problem. Evolution gives you a better appreciation on how the brain works.

Pres. Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Jan. 16^th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Feb. 6^th meeting. Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri.

　

Directory Changes:

Tino Victor Santhon IV

6301 Jumilla Avenue

Woodland Hills Ca 91367

(818) 857-6468

James W. Giallo

1625 West Haven Road

San Marino CA 91108

(626) 234-2077

A REMINDER: $35 Dues are due, $35 Dues are due, $35 Dues are due, $35 Dues are due, and etc.