GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of October 4, 2008 Meeting

Pres. Vinny Raso called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo then 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 and our servicemen.

Ronnie La Barbera motioned to accept the minutes for the Sept. 20th meeting. John Oliva seconded it. The motion passed. The club’s web site is www.goiia.com (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. Tony di Milo read the financial report for the Sept. 20th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 21; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $294. Income was 50/50, $30. Expenses were $138.52 for postage and printing. The balance is $2036.92. D’Arrigo motioned to accept. Tony Napoli seconded it. The motion passed.

Treas. di Milo reminded all that you can not vote Oct. 18 unless you pay your dues for 2008-2009 year.

He also urged members to make their reservations for the picnic so the food can be ordered. So far he has only four reservations. It is on Sunday, Oct. 26 at Crestwood Hill Park, from noon to 4 p.m. – $5 for adults and kids under 16 are free. For reservations call (818) 907-6777; BYO beverage and no alcohol. Directions are: From I-405 Exit at Sunset Blvd., head west to Kenter Ave., turn right onto Kenter Ave., head north, turn onto Hanley Ave., then proceed one mile to the park. Volunteers are needed to cook and set up for picnic.

OLD BUSINESS: Vice Pres. Vinnie Corbo reported on the success the club had with its’ booth at the San Gennaro’s Festival the past weekend. He said the club has 100 persons signing up as potential members. He named members who worked the booth. They all received applause. Only a few dollars were made from the DVDs but overall Corbo felt it was a success.

D’Arrigo reported Saturday, Dec. 13 as the date for the Handicapped Children’s Christmas party. Corbo said that he and Murgo are hoping to get a restaurant to cater it. He also mentioned that there is room for any members to attend but those that do attend must get involved by volunteering to help out like meddling with the children to make them feel they belong to an extended family. He wants more members to get involved. Sec. Poleri pointed out the volunteers will pay for their lunch at the party. Raso, Corbo, Di Milo, Oliva ad Poleri all spoke about the special feeling they get seeing those children enjoying themselves with their positive attitude in spite of their handicaps.

NEW BUSINESS: Pres. Raso hosted the campaigning.

Veep Corbo who is running for president said that since joining, he asked himself “what can I do for the club.” He said he learned a lot from the older members and has some ideas, some of which he has instituted already, like a new logo, designing a brochure and producing and directing two DVDs, which give the club positive exposures. He wants a chance to get other ideas going.

Greg Holzer who is opposing Corbo for the presidency wasn’t at the meeting.

Vice president candidate, Vincent Oliver who said he wasn’t one of the founding fathers but has been here a long time and loves it. Now he hopes to make a contribution to it. The club, he added, helped him to bond with his son, who is a member and also loves the club. It lets the son see what Italian/Americans are about. He stressed that he will work hard. Oliver is unopposed.

Secretary Bill Poleri, also unopposed, said he would do the job as long there are no others who will do it.

Treasurer Tony di Milo said he’s honored to continue to serve the club. He’s also unopposed.

Running for the Fifth Board Member is John Murgo, who is also unopposed. He said he’d been in the club a long time and loves it. He left it for a while but came back and feels it is evolving into some thing more. He wants to get the young people involved.

Sergeant-at-Arms candidate John Oliva said he wants to get his feet wet and to use the post as a stepping stone to something bigger, where he hopes to incorporate some of his ideas to better the club.

Sergeant-at-Arms Greg Holzer who is also running for the post wasn’t at the meeting.

Sec. Bill Poleri explained the purpose for the by-laws additions and changes. He said that the club is trying to get its tax status changed so donations to the club can be deducted from the donors’ taxes. He also pointed out that some of the additions would enable more young members to get involved in running the club’s activities.

SPEAKER: Dr. Joseph Turcillo, MD. FACP, recommended a mouth wash, Biotene, that will help keep your teeth healthy, and Ocuvite that will protect your eyes from macular degeneration. He spoke on life expectancy. He asked what was the number one killer? One joker answered marriage. He said it was the heart. He stressed that you should know the family health history, your home, hobby, anywhere that can affect your health. He urged one to educate himself; to prevent diseases, like getting a pneumonia shot every five years; to prevent aches and pains, which can be caused by repetitive motions, and to look for signs of cancer. Blood clots can be a sign of cancer. If you have one, he recommended having a complete body scan.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Murgo announced that there is an Italian Film Festival as part of Italian Heritage Month being held at Theatre 68, 5418 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. The two remaining films are “Looking for Angelina,” playing Oct. 8, and “Two Family House,” playing Oct. 15. For tickets and more information, go to www.plays411.com/Italian.

Treas. di Milo announced that there is an exhibition “Sunshine and Struggle – The Italian Experience in Los Angeles, 1827-1927,” at the Pico House Gallery, 424 Main St., Los Angeles and will run through Nov. 15. The exhibition is sponsored by the Italian Hall Foundation along with the El Pueblo Historical Monument. For more info: Call (213) 485-8432 or email- mariann.gatto@lacity.org

Pres Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Oct. 18th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Nov. 1st meeting. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

Directory additions:

Vincent J. Dino

37640 Grant Court

Palmdale CA 93552

(661) 285-4315 (H)

(661) 435-1991 (B)

(661) 285-8541 (Fax)

debdino53@yahoo.com

Vincent James Manfre’

5383 Felicia St.

Camarillo CA 93010

(805) 750-0742 (H)

(805) 484-9068 (B)

gmanfre@titetrends.net