GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of October 21, 2006 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinny Raso led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and in a prayer. He thanked “all for being what we are.” A moment of silence followed for our deceased brothers, those that are ill and our servicemen in Iraq. He then thanked the members for coming to the meeting and making the club feel like a unified group.

Rocco Telese motioned to accept the Oct. 7th minutes. Geoff Capco seconded it. The motion carried. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Oct. 7th meeting. Members attending luncheon were 33; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $462; 50/50 income, $30; Frank Telese’s 50/50 winning donation, $30, and Dues, $595. Expenses including postage, ink and printing $138.59. The balance is $2452.63. Ronnie LaBarbera motioned to accept. Carmine Marinelli seconded it. The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS: Sec. Bill Poleri brought up the excess cursing that is done during the meetings. He said that he received complaints about several members including the president using the F words. Vito Giovannelli believed that using that word when calling the group to order for the saying of the prayer is going over board. Pres. Raso and Chicky Russo agreed by using that word in jest. At that time, Sec. Poleri pointed to the room entrance where there stood a female restaurant customer coming out of the rest room. Pres. Raso realized then that we have to curb the usage of that word. Leo Matranga angrily said that the club’s integrity is being ruined by the F word and for some members that is the only word they know. He scolded them to drop that word. Most members agreed about the excess use of that word, especially during the prayer.

Treas. di Milo reminded all that the $35 dues are due this month. He motioned that after a month grace period (Dec.1), members in the arrears will be assessed $5per month. Rocco Telese seconded it, saying that it should serve as a punitive action. Pres. Raso said that we don’t want to insult members. Patsy Perriello said to set a date for when the dues are due. Poleri again explained that there is a date, Jan. 1 when you are dropped from the club. Giovannelli asked once you are dropped can you come back if you pay your back dues? Poleri answered in the positive. Vinny Oliver called the motion. Len Indelicato seconded it. The motion was defeated. John Murgo motioned that after the grace period of one month, members whose dues are in the arrears can’t attend a meeting until the dues are paid and are out if the dues aren’t paid by Jan. 1. Rocky Piecro seconded it. Raso felt that members should want to pay their dues if they care really care for this club. The motion passed.

Holzer suggested that Jimmy D’Arrigo should be the club chaplain. Every one agreed. Pres. Raso stepped forward and appointed D’Arrigo as club chaplain.

OLD BUSINESS: di Milo also reminded members to sign up for the picnic soon so the club can order the food. He said that the picnic is on Sunday, Oct. 29 at Crestwood Hill Park, from noon to 4 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults and kids under 16 are free. Giovannelli volunteered to supply the sausages, chicken and green peppers.

Rocky Pietro spoke about members getting their grandfathers’ pictures on the club’s web site.

Di Milo reported the Duke Sellas and himself were the only two members to attend a complimentary luncheon promoting Jersey Boys starring Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. He felt we made a poor showing at the luncheon even though we all received an invitation at the last meeting by Niika Taniguchi, sales agent for Center Theatre Group. He added that it was a pleasant afternoon.

Rocco Telese donated his $33 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres. Vinny Raso then adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 4th at Vitello’s Restaurant followed by the Nov. 18th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri