GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of October 7, 2006 Meeting

Pres. Vinny Raso called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance, following which Raso led the members in a prayer. He thanked “all for being what we are.” A moment of silence followed for our deceased brothers and those that are ill.

Sec. Bill Poleri read a note from Tonia Caruso, who had donated $100 in memory of her late husband Anthony Caruso, who was a long time GOIIA member. The note read in part “here it is for all your ‘boys.’ Consider it just a ‘Hello’ from the grandest of them all - my husband Tony and with my best thought and wishes always. God Bless. Tonia.”

John Murgo motioned to accept the Sept. 16th minutes. Carmine Marinelli 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 Sept. 16th meeting. Members attending luncheon were 24; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $336; 50/50 income, $20; Richard Muccillo’s 50/50 winning donation, $20, and Contributions, Tonia Caruso, $100 and Vito Giovannelli, $100. MOTY Dinner Summary: 63 in attendance; Expenses, Maggiano’s, $1575; Widows Comps, $125, and Bar Comps, $49.84. The balance is $1956.22. Duke Sella motioned to accept. Jimmy D’Arrigo seconded it. The motion carried.

Treas. di Milo reminded all that the $35 dues are due this month. Sec. Poleri explained that the financial year is from mid-October of 2006 to mid- October of 2007, other words, from Columbus Day to Columbus Day and if you don’t pay your dues by Jan. 1 you are dropped from the club. di Milo urged members to pay their dues as soon as possible.

OLD BUSINESS: di Milo also reminded members to sign up for the picnic soon so the club can order the food. Vito Giovannelli volunteered to supply the sausages, chicken and green peppers. 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. You must supply your own beverage and since it’s a city park no alcohol is allowed. Reservations could be made at the next meeting or by calling (818) 907-6777. The directions are as follow: From I-405 exit at Sunset Blvd. and head west to Kenter Ave., then turn right onto Kenter Ave., and north to Hanley Ave. and proceed one mile on Hanley to the park.

NEW BUSINESS: Murgo motioned that the club repeal the comp lunch for Norman Panto. Murgo said if he wants to play his accordion at the meeting that is fine but it doesn’t warrant a free lunch. di Milo seconded it. Vinny Oliver and Patsy Perriello spoke against the motion. The motion failed by a large majority.

Vincent Carbo made a proposal to raise funds. But first he praised Pres. Raso, Treas. di Milo and other members who manned the club’s booth at the Feast of San Gennaro, from which the club picked up several new members whom Carbo welcomed. He added that there are photos of the event on the web site. He congratulated Jimmy D’Arrigo on being man of the year and said there are also photos of the dinner on the web site.

Carbo asked himself “what do we have that other’s don’t that will give you a competitive edge?” The answer is entertainers. He suggested that we make a Grandsons’ of Italy CD, titling it “Grandsons’ of Italy Sing Your Favorite Italian Classics.” He named members who could contribute to the CD, including the Rasos, di Milo, Len Indelicato, Chicky Russo, Steve Lord, Gio, Norm and Frank Panto along with actors like Murgo and Nick Collura who could do a radio skit and others telling jokes. He even suggested that the entire membership sing a “We Are the World” type song for a closer. Carbo, who has made 20 albums, said he knows the process well and would contribute recording studio, mastering, photography, graphic design and layout, bar coding and manufacturing. He explained that the basic CD replication runs about $1800 for 1000 CDs and we would use Harry Fox agency. There is a $75 licensing fee per song per 500 units with Sinatra songs costing a little more.

He continued by saying that we could distribute the CDs first to friends and families and then the general public. He said if we sell 100 at $15 each we’ve practically broke even and the rest is profit. The other benefits included listing on the back of the CDs our services to the community and our charities; putting the club in a positive light; making extra money for the club; uniting the membership in a joint project, and we could sell it for years to come. He hopes at next year’s Feast of San Gennaro the Grandsons play the main stage with him putting together a big band with top musicians and members singing and telling jokes, at which time we sell a bunch of the CDs.

NOMINATION OF OFFICERS: Pres. Vincent Raso was nominated president as were Michael An’gileo and Charlie Gallo. The latter two refused to run. The only one nominated for vice president was Vincent Carbo. Sec. Bill Poleri, Treasurer Tony di Milo, Board Member Leo Matranga and Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer were all nominated again for their present positions. There were no other nominations. A call for closing the nominations was passed. Vinny Oliver motioned to elect the nominated officers by acclamation. Patsy Perriello seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCMENT: Niika Taniguchi, sales agent for Center Theatre Group, dropped by to invite members to a complimentary light luncheon promoting Jersey Boys starring Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The luncheon was scheduled for Oct. 13 from 11:30 p.m. at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. Jersey Boys is coming to the Ahmanson Theater in May. She also promoted “The Light in the Plaza,” a play about Americans visiting Florence, Italy, in 1953. The production will run at the Ahmanson Theater from Oct. 31 to Dec. 10.

Frank Telese, father of member Rocco Telese, donated his $30 50/50 winnings back to the club.

Pres. Vinny Raso thanked all for their efforts with the Feast of San Gennaro. He then adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 21st at Vitello’s Restaurant followed by the Nov. 4th meeting.

Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri