GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of Nov. 7, 2009 Meeting

 

Sgt.-at-Arms John Oliva 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, also for Brother Mauro Sardi’s grandson, who died recently of cancer and Brother Steve Lord’s mother-in-law, who died recently, and our servicemen.

 

Rocco Telese motioned to accept Oct. 17^th minutes. Joe Forte seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case). Sec. Bill Poleri reminded members that the next meeting, Nov. 21, would be the last meeting of the year because of the Children’s Christmas Party on Dec. 5 and the Yuletide Holidays. The first meeting of next year will be on Jan. 16, 2010,

 

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Oct. 17^th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 30; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $420; 50/50 income, $23; Carmine Marinelli donated his 50/50 winnings $23 back to the club; and Dues, $595. Expenses were postage, $47.49 and Printing of Ballots (including ink cartridges) $73.60. Picnic summary: Income: 71 Paid Attendants, $355,and sale of food, $55 for a total of $410; Expenses, Park Rental, $78; Supplies, $66.87; Rolls and Ice, $77.70; Labels, $8.43, and Food, $240 ( di Milo asked for a big hand for Vito Giovanelli for supplying the food at cost), for at total of $471. The cost to the club: $61. The balance is $3832. Jim Valentine motioned to accept and Giovannelli seconded it. The motion passed.

 

Corbo asked for a hand for other picnic volunteers, including Carolyn Poleri for making and donating the salad, cookies and dip; Ralph Forte, James Valentine, Donald Webb; John Oliva, Larry Ottina, di Milo and B. Poleri.

 

The president also recognized Carmine Marinelli and Vinny Raso, both of whom celebrated a birthday recently.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo said the date for Shut-In Seniors luncheon is being reviewed. (Note: After the meeting the date for the luncheon has been confirmed. It’s March 27, 2010.)

 

The president reported that the Election Committee was busy counting the ballots. He said that he asked for term limits to be put on all positions. He feels that it gives opportunities to build up the membership by getting more young guys involved in the running of the club. Sec. Poleri reported that term limit was voted into the Bylaws at last year’s election with a caveat: If a quality replacement cannot be found for a position that officer can be reelected for unlimited terms. Dr. Joe Turcillo said: "The present officers were doing a great job."

 

Pres. Corbo announced that the Christmas Party for Mental and Physical Handicapped Children is on Dec. 5 at St. Charles Church Hall on Moorpark Street. He said the club will cater the event so two groups of volunteers are needed: one for kitchen duties, including cooking and serving and one for working the hall by welcoming the children and their families, helping them to their tables and sitting among them to create a family atmosphere. The kitchen police (KP) will be under John Murgo and Corbo will head the hall police.

 

A room full of Italians no matter how many generations they are separated from the Boot, couldn’t remain quiet for very long. Pres. Corbo asked for ideas to improve the party by making it more enjoyable for the kids and many ideas were voiced all at the same time that it sounded like a 40-man choir singing off key.

Leo Matranga said that the children are not interested in the food but only in the toys and candies. "We waste too much food," he said. Corbo said the families appreciate the meal, especially the needy families, who also receive cash gifts from the club. Murgo reported that serving ice cream in Dixie Cups was a waste of money. "We’ll serve bulk ice cream this year," he said. Rocco Telese thought it would be better to serve hot dogs on a stick. Giovannelli backed the idea "we should serve kids friendly food." Murgo threw out "we are an Italian group, we serve Italian food." Poleri asked why can’t we serve food in two different amounts, one for grown ups and one for kids. Steve Toby motioned to let the committee decide these issues. Vinny Raso seconded it. The motion passed. Corbo said the time that volunteers should be at the hall would depend on which group they sign up for and everyone will be notified by the next meeting. Murgo said we have to leave the kitchen and hall spotless. Corbo said Greg Holzer will again be Santa Claus; Telese will do magic tricks; Jackie Corbo will give out table gifts; Karen and Vinny Raso will entertain; along with face painters and clowns. He hoped to have Miss San Gennero there. John Oliva suggested having one big show. The idea was shot down due to past experience. Dax Litto volunteered to take pictures. Corbo ruled out using a Polaroid camera because film is too hard to get and too expensive. Murgo suggested mailing the pictures to the kids and Telese reported that there is a special Polaroid camera. Both ideas were killed due to the cost.

 

Treas. di Milo expects a large group of kids from A Head With Horses. Corbo said he is also calling MD and Cerebral Palsy groups to invite more kids. Turcillo said he would donate dolls for the kids. He said his mother, who is over 100 year old, has many dolls. Murgo said we should contact Mattel, since they donated toys, but it’s too late to do it this year. Larry Ottina suggested getting a toy list from the kids. di Milo said it’s hard enough getting a list of the number of kids, their ages and the size of the families let alone a toy list.

 

ELECTION RESULTS:

President, Vincent Corbo, Jr., 55, and Vincent Oliver, 2;

Vice President, Vincent Oliver, 44; Vincent Raso, 15, and John Oliva, 1;

Secretary, Bill Poleri, 55;

Treasurer, Tony di Milo, 45, and Vincent Dino, 12;

Fifth Board Member, John Murgo, 45; John Oliva, 11, and Darek Casari, 1;

Sergeant-at-Arms, Paul Pacheco, 35; Greg Holzer, 16 and John Oliva 1.

 

Sec. Poleri asked and got a big hand for the Election Committee: Mauro Sardi and Michael Federico.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT: Vinny Raso reminded members of the birthday party for him tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Aloha Steak House in Camarillo, off Rte. 101 at Santa Rosa exit. The bash will cost $15 a person with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the club. A few members unable to go made a donation toward it.

 

Joey Sorice announced that he would be hosting another show in the near future.

 

Murgo announced that Litto will take any new member pictures for the web site after the meeting.

 

Pres. Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Nov. 21^st at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Jan. 16^th meeting. Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri.

 

Following the meeting, the Board of Directors met and named Vincent J. Dino assistant to the treasurer.

 

Directory Additions:

 

Vincent A. (Tino) Oliver

287 Blackfoot Lane

Ventura CA 93001

(805) 643-6331 (H)

(805) 385-7483 (B)

voliver@ymail.com

 

John A. Palumbo

905 N. Sweetzer Ave. #22

West Hollywood CA 90069

(303) 880-9604 ©

j.palumbo@hotmail.com

 

Joe Picarella

6715 Wrigley Drive

Pasco WA 99301

(509) 543-7077

 

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