Filicudi
Associates, Inc.
Minutes for
regular meeting held
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Attendees: Phil Giardina, Anthony Rando, Tom LaCava, Donna Pinzone, Tom Taranto, Jr., Al Bonica, Cathy Umina, John Umina, Roland Vanaria, Lynne Fallo, Rose Taranto, and Maria Taranto. (12 present)
The president, Cathy Umina, opened the meeting at 7:15pm.
Treasurer's Report: Donna Pinzone, who took the post of treasurer on April 2nd, reported that there is $6,778.31 in the society bank account; and $6,383.05 is the balance after removing the money in the archive collection fund.
Secretary's Report: There were no minutes available for the last meeting and the secretary was absent so the minutes were not approved or disapproved.
Membership Co.. Report: Roland Vanaria reported according to the information he received from Maria that as of 12/31/08 there were 189 members in the society, 24 of whom are honorary members and 31 of whom are Lifetime members and that 24 members have renewed for 2009. (NB Some unpaid members had paid from the middle or end of 2008) Thus to date there are 79 members who are current with their dues. Lynne Fallo paid, on the spot, for 2008 and 2009 which makes 80 current members. Maria stated that more should pay their dues after the newsletter, with a dues form insert, goes out in a couple of weeks.
Condolence Co. Report: In the absence of Eleanor Vanaria, Cathy reported that Eleanor will chair a condolence and bereavement committee and that anyone should notify her if some member is seriously ill or has died. Al Bonica suggested that an announcement to that effect be placed in the newsletter and Maria said she would do that.
OLD BUSINESS:
Society name change:
Al Bonica who, at the appropriate time had duly sent to the Correspondence Secretary (because the President was away on a ten day vacation) a copy of his motion and the wording of the bi-law he wished to change, made a motion that the name of the society be changed from Filicudi Associates, Inc. to Filicudi Saint Stephen Society, Inc.. Roland Vanaria seconded the motion. A brief discussion followed on the motion to change the name. Roland made the motion to vote on the proposed amendment to Article I, Section 1of the society bi-laws. Tom LaCava seconded the motion. 11 members voted for the amendment and 1 person abstained because he said he did not have enough information on the proposed change. The motion was carried by the members present.
Event: Prelude to Mother's Day Brunch to take place at the Newton Marriott on Sunday May 3rd at 11:30am. This event initiated by Cathy Umina and chaired by Donna Pinzone was presented and discussed. Donna had sent out invitations and got 38 affirmative replies. Five of those people have not yet paid. There was a suggestion to have name tags and guest books. Both suggestions were accepted.
Annual Banquet & Dance 2009 Cathy reported that she has rented the Post 440 for November 21st because it was the only time available and that the money that was paid for last year's event, for which we were given the hall at gratis, would be used for that purpose, thus costing us nothing more this year. She also reported that she hired Maria's Catering who some members agreed was the best in the area. Donna Pinzone suggested contacting Italo Massi who charges $1100. for the night for his band vs. $1650 which we paid last year for Jack Alessi, and she offered to contact some businesses for raffles. Cathy mentioned that Roland, chair of the committee, was in charge of raffles and he said he would follow up on Donna's leads. Appetizers and who would provide them was not discussed. Cathy mentioned the issues of Awards and Scholarship for the night and suggested that committees should be established for each concern.
Board of Trustees members Maria suggested that we elect Board of Trustees members (beyond the 5 officers) since it was not done at the previous meting. Nominations were made and seconded for Felix Giardina, Anthony Rando, John Umina, and Al Bonica. They will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
Scholarship Committee Cathy reported that she received a letter of resignation from Curt Mahon as chair of the Scholarship Committee and said that she would like to have a new committee formed for this year.
NEW BUSINESS
Gala 2010: Cathy introduced the idea of forming committees for the 100th Anniversary Gala and for addressing a possible budget for the Gala and types of fund raising. a discussion followed but nothing was brought to motion or a vote. The discussion will continue.
Bi-Laws Committee:
Cathy proposed, at Maria's earlier suggestion, that a bi-laws committee
be established and appointed Maria
Genealogical Meeting: Cathy proposed having a genealogical meeting open to all members and their friends to be held in the fall of 2009 and that the archive committee be co-chaired by Maria Taranto and Jennifer Taranto and report monthly on progress of this event, if the event is approved.. The matter was not voted on and will be next month.
Cooking Workshop Cathy proposed that we have another cooking workshop for 2009 and asked when the society would like to have it. Maria suggested the weekend of Nov 28 for Christmas cookies.
Italian Lessons: Cathy reported that Wega Firenze will be offering Italian classes in September 2009 and Maria added that they will cost $200 in advance for 10 weeks, beginning mid-September and that about 12 people have expressed interest in joining. She will put an ad for signing up in the newsletter.
Postage for newsletters/bulletins Maria said that postage was going up two cents in May and she had purchased 800 forever stamps for the four mailings she does for the society and asked if this cost could be discussed and possibly approved. It was.
The meeting adjourned about 9:15pm. The next meeting will be held on May 28th at Maristhill.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Taranto, Correspondence Secretary
( in the absence of Jennifer Taranto, Recording Secretary.)