GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of Oct. 3, 2009 Meeting

 

Pres. Vinnie Corbo called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance then led the group in prayer. He called for a moment of silence for our deceased brothers, especially Sal Sportelli who died recently, those that are ill and our servicemen

 

Greg Holzer motioned to accept Sept. 19^th minutes. Chris Lanieri seconded it. The motion passed. Sec. Bill Poleri thanked Jimmy D’Arrigo for filling in for him at the last meeting. Poleri reported that D’Arrigo was absent at this meeting because he was working as a volunteer at the free prostate cancer check clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank. 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. 19^th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 38; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $532; 50/50 income, $40; Joseph Forte donated his 50/50 winnings to the club, $40, and Dues, $210. Expenses were: postage, $14; California Nonprofit Statement, $20, and Jehovah’s Witnesses in Memory of Sal Sportelli, $50. The balance is $2941. Roland Barbera motioned to accept and Carmine Marinelli seconded it. The motion passed. Dues are due NOW.

 

Treas. di Milo asked for a big welcome for Brother Roland Barbera, a long time member, who recently moved back into the area and can now attend meetings. Barbera has been living in Texas for more than two years.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Sec. Poleri said Mike Policare, one of the club’s founders and who now lives in Colorado, suggested that the club should honor World War II veterans by having a meeting, in which they can give a five minute talk on their war experiences. Policare thought of this in light of our recent loss, Sal Sportelli who took part in D-Day invasion. Poleri suggested that the Dec. 5 meeting would be a good time to hold the special session since it’s close to Dec. 7, the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (Sec. Note: The Board of Directors met following the meeting and Poleri was reminded that the Dec. 5 meeting has been postponed so the club can hold its’ annual Christmas Party for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children. Poleri said that another date would be selected at the club’s next meeting.)

 

OLD BUSINESS: Pres. Corbo reminded members of the upcoming club’s picnic on Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. in Brentwood, Adults, $5 and kids under 12 free. Poleri said that preparations for the picnic are being taken care of by Vito Giovannelli, Treas. di Milo and himself but volunteers are needed and they should be at the picnic ground at 11:30 a.m. to help set up. Poleri said that details would be listed on the postcards and the upcoming minutes. (The details are as follow: Adults, $5; Kids Under 12 Free; Res.: Call (818) 508-0414; BYO Beverage – No Alcohol; Directions: From I-405 Exit at Sunset Blvd., Head West to Kenter Ave., Turn Right onto Kenter Ave., Head North, Turn Onto Hanley Ave., Proceed One Mile to the Park.)

 

Pres. Corbo reported that the San Gennero Festival Booth last week was a big success. He said that the club sold many of its’ DVD. He mentioned that the club was listed in the Festival’s glossary brochure and was well received by older and larger Italian/American groups, including the Sons of Italy. He described how the volunteers contributed to operating of the club’s booth, while having a fun time doing it.

 

The president thanked all the volunteers who manned the booth with him. They are Michael An’gileo, John Antonucci, Ian Castellucci, Vincent Dino, Ralph and Joe Forte, Charlie Gallo, Joey Janiak, Joe Maginelli, Vincent Manfre, John Murgo, Tony Napoli, John Oliva, Larry Ottina, Paul Pacheco, Vin Raso, Victor Russo, Joey Sorice, Steve Toby and Jimmy Valentine.

 

The president proudly reported that Brother Sorice was also the daytime host at the festival. Sorice is also hosting the comedy "The Meatballs" at the Jon Lovitz comedy club at Universal City Walk tomorrow night and Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.

 

Corbo announced that Marrianna Gatto, Los Angeles Italian Museum Curator, who addressed the club on Feb. 16, 2008, has published a book entitled "Los Angeles’ Little Italy." The book is available on Amazon or any major bookstore.

 

The president also reported that the club ran an ad in L’Italo-Americano. The ad is 2 columns by two and half inches and will run every week.

 

NOMINATIONS: Sec. Poleri took the nominations for officers in the upcoming elections:

 

For President: Vincent Corbo – nominated by Dax Litto; seconded by John Murgo;

Chris Lanieri motioned to close the nomination; seconded byVito Giovannelli; it passed;

For Vice Preident: Vincent Raso - nominated by Dax Litto; seconded by Rocco Passanante;

Vincent Oliver - nominated by Tony di Milo; seconded by John Antonucci;

Chris Lanieri motioned to close the nomination; seconded by Joe Forte; it passed;

For Secretary: Bill Poleri - nominated by John Murgo; seconded by Vincent Manfre;

Chris Lanieri motioned to close the nomination; seconded by John Murgo; it passed;

For Treasurer: Vincent Dino - nominated by Vincent Manfre; seconded by Ralph Forte:

Tony di Milo - nominated by Leo Matranga; seconded by Joe Forte;

Larry Ottina motioned to close the nomination; seconded by Vito Giovannelli; it passed;

For 5^th Member: John Murgo - nominated by Vincent Raso; seconded by Rocco Passanante;

John Oliva – nominated by Larry Ottina; seconded by Joe Forte;

Greg Holster motioned to close the nomination; seconded by Roland Barbera; it passed;

For Sergeant-at-Arms: Greg Holzer - nominated by John Murgo; seconded by Vincent Manfre;

Paul Pacheco - nominated by Larry Ottina; seconded by Tony di Milo;

Joe Forte motioned to close the nomination; seconded by Ralph Forte; it passed.

 

Sec. Poleri announced the nominees can campaign at the next meeting, on Oct. 17. The voting will take place at the Nov. 7^th meeting. He also explained that each member would receive a ballot in the mail, which he can mail in or vote at the meeting. He stressed that only members in good standing can vote. Pres. Corbo questioned the small turnout for the nomination of officers. Poleri said that the nomination was listed on the postcards and in the past several meetings.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT: Vin Raso, who will be 80, announced that his fellow workers are hosting a birthday party for him on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Aloha Steak House in Camarillo, off Rte. 101 at Santa Rosa exit. The bash will cost $15 at person with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the club

 

Pres. Corbo adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Oct. 17^th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Nov. 7^th meeting. Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri.

 

Directory Updates:

 

Change:

 

Roland Barbera

6122 Brookhaven Court

Fontana CA 92336

 

Add:

 

Derek A. Casari

15477 Dickens St.

Sherman Oaks CA 91403

(818) 783-3121 (H)

(310) 369-0506 (b)

(818) 784-6123 ©

derek.casari@gmail.com