Bell Ringers Ring in Grandsons’ Children Party

ARC Bell Choir in their white frocks and red shoulder vests rang in with a medley of Christmas carols the Grandsons of Italy in America’s annual Christmas party for physically and intellectually disabled children and adults. The ARC Bell Choir, whose members themselves are individuals with developmental disabilities, entertained more than 280 guests and 50 GOIIA volunteers on Saturday, (Dec. 4), at St. Charles Church Social Center on Moorpark Street in North Hollywood. GOIIA President Vincent Oliver said ‘this was the most successful party ever.” The GOIIA event was co-chaired by Vincent Corbo and John Murgo, both past presidents.

The disabled youngsters along with their siblings and parents and disabled adults with their relatives filled the large hall. Every one of the 30 large circular tables was filled. The disabled children and adults came from two organizations: Ahead with Horses and The Muscular Dystrophy Association. AWH has been bringing children to the annual party ever since it started 20 years ago and MDA enjoyed its second year at the event. While GOIIA volunteers were serving everyone a homemade Italian dinner, clowns, balloon artists and magicians went from table to table amusing the children with magic tricks and balloon animal sculptures.

In the background was music from Karen and Vincent Raso who treated all with holiday and popular melodies. Raso is a past president. We can’t forget the guest of honor, who made his entrance in his bright red suit and boxes of toys. The children’s eyes lit up and their smiles grew as Santa Claus ho-ho’d his way through the tables until he got to his throne where each child got to sit on his lap and receive a nice toy. GOIIA member Greg Holzer was Santa. The toy committee included Tony Di Milo, Corbo and Bill Poleri. AWH instructor and physical therapist Elsa Marin felt “the party was great.” There were 63 children and 141 adults from AHW. “It was perfect,” Marin added, “the kids could run around, the food was good, the music was wonderful.

Even the parking was fine.” Richard Marquez, AWH photographer, also felt the party was wonderful and proved it by taking many, many pictures. Emma Karavardanyan, health care service coordinator for MDA local chapter, said “It was a remarkable touching event that put smiles across the faces of our family. A big thanks to the Grandsons of Italy.” When asked if they would be back next year, she answered in one word – “Absolutely!” Allison Green, fund coordinator for MDA, was impressed by the effort put on by GOIIA.

“It’s wonderful. Everyone is so helpful. I like the idea and we’re coming back next year. Everything is great – the food was cooked by the members!” Linnea Pinchin, regional coordinator for MDS, said “This is one of the best parties I’ve been to, since I’ve been with MDA.” The ARC Bell Choir who stole everyone’s heart, is a singular organization, explained Jane Sarture, executive director.

“This is a local group and doesn’t belong to any national organization.” Sarture is also the group conductor and she explained the mechanism she used in communicating to the choir. “We transcript the music ourselves on window shade scrolls with letters and numbers denoting the various notes in the drawn boxes. I point to the boxes with a small pointer as the scroll is rolled up. Underneath the boxes are the lyrics.” She also pointed out that some of the members have been doing this for 20 years. She introduced Debbie Henrikson, whose mother started the group because she wanted to provide activities for the disabled.

“Debbie’s mother found other mothers in similar situations. The group was started by these parents,” Sarture said. She added “the party was great.” The Bell Choir was so impressive that when GOIIA directors were making a donation to the Choir, John Ruth of Amgen Corp. in Thousand Oaks, donated $100 to the group. Later he said of the event that at times he had trouble holding back the tears. He wasn’t the only one. Besides Sarture and Henrikson, other coordinators and performers were Larry Schallert, Rosie Satnaz, Jim Sathas, Susie Schallert, Tom Dawby, Mark Reischl, Anita Burger, Doreen McGuire, Chris Taylor, Sue Sweeney, Degg Warson, Antoinette Mendo, Sarah Glascock, Ryan Davis, Hillary Shaw, Phillip Raishe, Danny Baca, Evan Vidar, Daniel Morejon.

Carol Taylor and Michael Gallardo. The clowns and balloon artists were Katy Diaz and Shaun Klaseis. The magicians were GOIIA member Rocco Telese and Barry Sakalsky. Like Karavardanyan said “A big thanks to the Grandsons,” and they included: starting with the kitchen crew headed by Murgo and Vito Giovannelli, were helpers Victor Russo, Ralph and Joe Forte, Vincent Manfre and son Vincent, Jim Valentine, Mauro Sardi, Steve Toby and son Colin, John Leopardi, Giovaanni Eule, Louis Rusticelli, John Schivone, Frank Corso, and John Antonucci.

Jimmy D’Arrigo, who also made arrangements for the church hall, and Donald Webb were in charge of the beverages. The floor crew under Corbo’s guidance, including both servers and greeters, were Jackie Corbo, Carolyn Poleri, Paul and Gabriela Pacheco, Dominic Arnone, Irene Garay, Joe and Sharon Marone, Frank DeSimone, Joey Sorice, Mike An’gileo, Vincent Benlloch, Craig Cignarelli, Di Milo, Marty DeSanto, Carmine Marinelli, Jeremy Renzi, Patrick Di Puccio, Joey Janiak, Tony Napoli, Dax Litto and Jim Tooey. Many volunteers worked both in the kitchen and on the floor. Mike Federico and Poleri handled parking.

The Grandsons of Italy in America was formed 20 years ago to prevent the loss of the Italian culture as Italian Americans were being assimilated into the American culture. It’s a charitable and social club. Its members express their love for mankind through friendship and charity toward all.

Bill Poleri