GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of September 20, 2008 Meeting

Sgt.-at-Arms Greg Holzer called the meeting to order and Pres. Vinny Raso led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Jimmy D’Arrigo then led the group in the prayer. Pres. Raso offered a prayer for Sal Sportelli, who is having eye surgery next month, and Rocco Passanante, who also has eye problems, and 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. 6th meeting. D’Arrigo 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. 6th meeting. Members attending the luncheon were 26; Vitello’s Luncheon Tab, $364. Incomes were 50/50, $30; Frank De Simone’s $20 donation of his 50/50 winnings, and Dues, $105. Expenses were $169 for postage and $78 for picnic reservations. The balance is $2049.96. Mike An’gileo motioned to accept. Holzer seconded it. The motion passed.

Treas. di Milo reminded all that the dues for 2008-2009 year are due next month.

NEW BUSINESS: Sec. Bill Poleri took the nominations for officers in the upcoming elections:

For President: Vincent Corbo - nominated by John Murgo; seconded by Ian Castellucci;

Greg Holzer - nominated by Ronnie La Berbera; seconded by Jimmy D’Arrigo;

Vice President: Vincent Oliver - nominated by John Murgo; seconded by Ronnie La Berbera;

John Murgo - nominated by V. Corbo; seconded by Mike An’gileo – Murgo declined;

Secretary: Bill Poleri - nominated by Ronnie La Berbera; seconded by Sal Sportelli;

Treasurer: Tony di Milo – nominated by Ronnie La Berbera; seconded by Joe Turcillo;

Lenny Indelicato – nominated by A. Napoli; seconded by Murgo – Indelicato declined;

5th Member: John Murgo – nominated by Anthony Napoli; seconded by Joey Janiak;

Vincent Oliver – nominated by J. Murgo; seconded by J. D’Arrigo – Oliver declined;

Sgt-at-Arms: John Oliva – nominated by John Antonucci; seconded by Ronnie La Berbera;

Greg Holzer – nominated by Ronnie La Berbera; seconded by Jimmy D’Arrigo;

Dax Litto – nominated by Vinnie Corbo; seconded by Greg Holzer – Litto declined.

John Oliva motioned to close the nominations. Murgo seconded it. The motion passed. Also on the ballot is the approval or disapproval of the bylaws changes. Poleri said the election is Oct. 18 and all members will receive a ballot along with the by-laws changes in the mail. (The proposed changes are also on the other side.)

OLD BUSINESS: Treas. di Milo reminded members that the picnic is Sunday, Oct. 26 at Crestwood Hill Park, Brentwood, from noon to 4 p.m.Adults, $7; Children under 16 free.

Ian Castellucci reported that he could come up with various cruise packages, depending on the length of the trip. Vice-President Corbo asked him to put it all down on paper and present it to the club.

Corbo also asked for more volunteers to man the Club’s booth during the San Gennaro’s Festival, which is being held Sept. 26- 28 at Highland and Hollywood. Parking will be available at Kodak Theater Lot.

SPEAKER: Dr. Joseph Turcillo, MD. FACP, gave a talk on macular degeneration which is common among men and women as they age. He emphasized that we must conserve our organs’ reserves. He said a tablet that includes Vitamin A, zinc and cobalt is helpful and he will bring the name of it to the next meeting.

Pres Raso adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Oct. 4th at Vitello’s Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Oct. 18th meeting. Submitted by Secretary Bill Poleri.

Directory additions:

Frank Foti

406 Naranja Drive

Glendale CA 91206

(818) 409-0642

Jim Tooey

10989 Bluffside Drive

Studio City CA 91604

(732) 485-6213

jimtooey@comcast.net

Changes and Additions to G.O.I.I.A. By-laws

2. Article I. Formation:

a. Remove the word social from line 6.

b. Add to end of paragraph: As of October 2008, the club voted to become more of a charitable oriented association. Although the preservation of its Italian culture will remain a major goal of G.O.I.I.A., its’ many charitable projects and donations are to be expanded.

3. Article II. Purpose:

a. Remove line 2 b.

b. Add a new line 2 b to read: To sponsor annual events to enrich the lives of shut-in seniors.

c. To contribute to organizations fighting health problems, especially those that relate to Mediterranean people.

d. To aid those in need in our community.

4. Article V. Officers:

Add to Item 1: Other officers are Sergeant-at-Arms, Chaplain and Senior Statesmen. They are not members of the Board of Directors. Sergeant-at-Arms is an elective position. Chaplain and Senior Statesmen are appointed by the president with approval of the Board of Directors and serve for life. They can only be removed by a vote of the Board.

Change Item 3 to Read: All elected officers are elected for a one-year term and shall serve no more than two consecutive terms. Exception to the rule: If a quality replacement cannot be found for a position that officer can be reelected for unlimited terms.

President:

Add f: To represent the club at various outside events by

serving as its’ good will ambassador.

Vice President:

a. To create a new line c to read: To carry out and supervise all charitable projects.

b. To list the old line c as line d.

Secretary:

a. Add a line f to read: The secretary can appoint an assistant of his choosing with approval of the Board of Directors.

1. To assign duties to the assistant which will enable the office to function more efficiently.

Treasurer:

a. Add a line f to read: The secretary can appoint as assistant of his choosing with approval of the Board of Directors.

1. To assign duties to the assistant which will enable the office to function more efficiently.

Sergeant-at-Arms - a. To call meetings to order and to preserve order.

Chaplain - a. To lead the membership in prayer.

Senior Statesmen - a. To serve as a panel whose function is to see that the club’s original purpose and its’ Italian/American traditions are maintained.