ITALIAN AMERICAN MARCHING CLUB
2008 PARADE MEETINGS
February 27, 2008 - March 5, 2008
This year's parade meetings will be held on Wednesday nights at the meeting hall of our merchandise supplier – Beads by the Dozen. Beads by the Dozen is located at 331 Edwards Avenue between Jefferson Highway and the I-10. The meeting hall is a dark green building on the first driveway next to the railroad tracks. There are no names or numbers on the meeting hall.
FINAL FEBRUARY 2008 PRE-PARADENEWSLETTER
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SAFETY IN THE FRENCH QUARTER
We want you to focus on celebrating St. Joseph's Day with your paisanos and your family on March 8, 2008. We are taking every action possible to ensure your safety during the parade and
the safety of the parade spectators. The New Orleans Police Department has advised us that the French Quarter will be as safe (or safer) than it has ever been for this year's St. Joseph's Parade. As usual, our organization will
meet with the New Orleans Police Department prior to the parade to ensure that the necessary officers are present in our parade and along our parade route! ______________________________________________________________________
MEDIA MAID PRESENTATION / FATHER-DAUGHTER LUNCHEON
Our
Pre-Parade Media Maid Presentation will be held on March 2, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the Piazza D'Italia on Poydras Street in New Orleans. This is the Sunday prior to our St. Joseph's Parade. Don't miss your
opportunity to see our 80 beautiful Maids prior to the parade. Bobby Lonero will entertain us, and refreshments will be served. Later on the afternoon of Sunday, March 2, 2008, we will host a Father
(Grandfather) - Daughter (Granddaughter) Luncheon. This luncheon is set for 3:00 p.m. at Salvatore's Ristorante in Metairie, Louisiana. The luncheon is open to only the Maids and their fathers and/or grandfathers.
Maids will dine for free. Fathers and/or grandfathers will dine for only $20.00 per person. If you have any questions regarding the luncheon, please contact Morris Vacarella at (504)491-9611. You can also see Morris
at our parade meetings.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2008 PASTA PARTY
On Friday, March 7, 2008, we will have our annual St. Joseph's Pasta Party at 12:00 noon at Kabby's located in the New Orleans Hilton Hotel Riverside. During this event, our Grand Marshal, our Queen, and our Caesar will be presented to the public. We then present the world's largest bowl of meatballs and spaghetti. Of course, there is also plenty of music and wine. We invite all of our members to celebrate this great free event! It's a great way to start our weekend celebration!
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2008 HONOREE DINNER
Our St. Joseph's Honoree Dinner will be held on Friday, March 7, 2008 at the New Orleans Hilton Hotel Riverside. There will be a cash bar cocktail reception from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dinner will then be served at 8:00 p.m. The Hilton Hotel Riverside always provides a wonderful dinner, and we will make sure that our meal is accompanied by complimentary fabulous Italian wines. Bobby Lonero and several other performers will provide classic Italian music throughout the evening. Tickets for the dinner are $50.00 per person. This includes the meal, tax, gratuity, and all wine during the dinner. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and dine with our Grand Marshal, our Caesar, and our Queen. There is always plenty of food, wine, music, and fun. Please contact George Cortello at 891-8573 or 831-2458 to purchase your tickets to this great event.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008 PRE-PARADE PARTY
Our 2008 Pre-Parade Party will be held at the same location as last year's Pre-Parade Party – outside of Ernst Café located at 600 S. Peters Street in New Orleans (just 2 blocks from the New Orleans Convention Center and 1 block from Harrah's Casino). The party will be open to members and their ladies at 3:00 p.m. This year's party will feature fantastic food from our favorite area restaurants - Elmwood Fitness Center's Chef Marc Gilberti's Italian sausage with onions and peppers, pizza, Italian meatballs, pasta salad, New Orleans' Original Daiquiris, Italian wines, beer, and Coca-Cola soft drinks. You can even meet our Grand Marshal at the party. All ladies must have a ticket. Tickets can be obtained at the parade meetings. Members must come early in order to pick up their secret badges and flower canes. Extra throws and beads can also be purchased at that time.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008 POST-PARADE GALA
As usual, we will have our St. Joseph's Gala and Maid Presentation immediately following the parade at the New Orleans Hilton Hotel Riverside. Dress is semi-formal for
all, children and adults alike. We will have a great band, and, of course, Bobby Lonero will do his Louis Prima routine. We may also have a few other guest singers. There will be muffulettas and delicious Italian cookies for all. Tickets to our St. Joseph's Gala and Maid Presentation
purchased prior to March 8, 2008 are just $40.00 per person, and tables of ten (10) are $400.00. Tickets purchased on March 8, 2008 are $45.00 per person. For information concerning the
St. Joseph's Gala and Maid Presentation, please contact George Cortello at 891-8573 or 831-2458. Please make sure to see Joe Cannizzaro at any of our upcoming parade meetings to review available tables and to purchase
tickets. We strongly suggest that you purchase your tickets and tables at the parade meetings in order to obtain the best seating available.
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ANNUAL DUES AND NEW MEMBERS
If you have not already done so, it's time to pay your dues for our 2008. It's also not too late to bring in new members to join us for our 2008 St. Joseph's Parade. Dues
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PARADE DRESS
The dress for our parade is a black tuxedo with black socks and black shoes. Tuxedo rentals are available to all of our members from long time
members and supporters: J & L FORMAL WEAR 931 Westwood Dr. Marrero, LA (504)340-4544
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PARADE THROWS, BEADS, AND FLOWER CANES
The only beads allowed in our parade are our IAMC tri-color and special beads. No other beads will be allowed. Our income is based not only on the nominal membership dues, but also on the income derived from the sale of our official throws and flower canes. Thus, our organization survives on our members purchasing official IAMC throws. WITHOUT THE MEMBER'S GENEROUS COOPERATION IN PURCHASING OFFICIAL THROWS (AND LOTS OF THEM), WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REMAIN IN EXISTENCE. We urge all members to purchase only authorized throws and flower canes from our club. We have included a copy of our 2008 Merchandise Order Form in this newsletter for your review. Your help, cooperation, and purchases are greatly appreciated.
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GODFATHER LEGION
All members interested in riding in the parade in a convertible as a "Godfather", please
contact President Peter Gilberti at (504)458-2791. Alternatively, you can see President Gilberti at the upcoming parade meetings. You must provide your own driver and convertible. You must also present
your insurance policy on said vehicle with minimum coverage of $100,000.00. The cost to enter a convertible in the parade is $400.00. Each convertible can hold up to three "Godfathers" plus the driver. No convertible will be allowed in the parade without a special Italian American Marching Club sticker applied to the windshield. Any convertible seen in the parade without the official sticker will be removed and detained
until after the parade.
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FIRE TRUCK LEGION
Board Member Dr. Joseph Cusimano will once again be organizing and overseeing the Fire Truck Legion in this year's parade. HOWEVER, ALL MEMBERS PARTICIPATINGH IN THE FIRE TRUCK LEGION MUST HAVE THEIR IAMC DUES PAID BY THE LAST MEETING – MARCH 5, 2008. NO MEMBERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO APPLY FOR THE FIRE TRUCK LEGION ON THE DAY OF THE PARADE. Dr. Cusimano will collect the Fire Truck Legion dues at the March 5, 2008 meeting. Dr. Cusimano will NOT be accepting ANY applications to the Fire Truck Legion after March 5, 2008!
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PARADE ROUTE FOR THE FLOATS & MAIDS FOR 2008!
Due to the need for our Maids to arrive at the Hilton Hotel in time to prepare to be introduced at our St. Joseph's Gala, we will employ slightly different parade routes for our floats and for our marchers. Below is the 2008 IAMC parade route for the floats and Maids . The floats and Maids will actually encompass the first part of our parade. They will start the parade at Canal Street and Charters at 6:00 p.m. The marchers will then follow. The only difference between the route for the floats and Maids and the route for the marchers is that when the floats and Maids turn onto St. Ann, they will proceed to Decatur Street and back to the Hilton Hotel instead of turning onto Royal Street like the marchers.
We will distribute merchandise beginning at 7:00 p.m. , and our meetings will start at 8:00 p.m. sharp. Extra free tickets for the Pre-Parade Party will be available at these meetings. Please note that you will need separate checks for your membership dues, your throws, and any tickets you wish to purchase. Mark these meetings on your calendars! Make sure your paisanos do the same!!
2008 GRAND MARSHAL
DOMINIC CHIANESE
Dominic Chianese is a true Renaissance Man. He is an accomplished actor, appearing in the films The Godfather II (as "Johnny Ola"), All the President's Men, Dog Day Afternoon, And Justice For All, Fort Apache The Bronx, The Cradle Will Rock , and Unfaithful. He has also appeared on the television in Law & Order, Kojak, and East Side/West Side. Dominic attained fame as Corrado "Uncle Junior" Soprano on the HBO hit drama The Sopranos. He was nominated in 2000 and in 2001 for an Emmy award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work in The Sopranos. Dominic has performed in Broadway theatre, off-Broadway, and regional theatre. In addition to acting, Dominic is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has recorded two CDs: Hits and Ungrateful Heart. He and his band, "The New York Sidewalkers," perform regularly in and around New York City.
Dominic is a great guy! He is very honored and excited to serve as our Grand Marshal. We look forward to having him lead our parade. We will also have two Honorary Parade Marshals – Vincent "Vinny" Pastore and Lou Cordileone - riding with us again in this year's parade. Finally, as usual, several local and state officials will be participating in our celebration.
2008 CAESAR
DR. VINCENT L. DILEO, JR
Vincent L. DiLeo, Jr., D.D.S., F.A.G.D. is serving as our 2008 Caesar. Dr. DiLeo has been a member of our organization since its inception. He is a prominent dentist who practices in Metairie, Louisiana. This is Dr. DiLeo's second reign as Caesar. He did a fantastic job last year, and we look forward to his leadership this year. Hail Caesar!
2008 IAMC QUEEN
TILLIE BALDASSARO PLAISANCE
The Italian American Marching Club is proud to present its 2008 Queen, Tillie Baldassaro Plaisance. Ms. Plaisance is the daughter of Mr. Barry Paul Plaisance and Mrs. Sheila Baldassaro Orgeron Plaisance. Ms. Plaisance has been a Maid in our organization 13 years. She is honored to represent the Italian American Marching Club as its 2008 Queen. Ms. Plaisance graduated from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. She is now attending Nicholls State University where she is pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
PARADE ROUTE FOR MARCHERS FOR 2008!
We understand that our marchers prefer to stay in the busier parts of the French Quarter longer. The 2008 parade route for the marchers will begin on Canal Street and Charters after the floats and Maids pass. The route that we have implemented for the marchers is as follows:
RESERVATIONS AT THE HILTON
We have made special arrangements with the New Orleans Hilton Hotel Riverside to obtain special discount prices for the weekend of our celebration. However, only a limited number of rooms have been allotted. Therefore, please contact the Hilton Hotel Reservation Desk at (504)561-0500 now in order to ensure your reservations.
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DONATIONS TO THE ST. JOSEPH'S ALTER FLOAT
One of the focal points of our parade is our St. Joseph's Alter Float. This year, we are accepting donations for classic St. Joseph's Alter food and decorations. If you are interested in making a donation to the Alter Float or if you know someone who may be interested in making a donation, please contact Board Member Marc Gilberti at (504)842-9571 or (504)415-2928.
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PRE-ORDER YOUR DVD OF THE 2008 PARADE
Our 2008 celebration to St. Joseph will be captured on DVD by a professional production company, Gulf Coast. These DVDs will include footage of our Pasta Party, Honoree Dinner, Pre-Parade Party, Parade, and Post-Parade Gala. There will also be interviews with our Grand Marshal, Caesar, Queen, and other dignitaries. The price of this DVD is only $25. This is another great way for you to help support our organization. Please see Board Member Ed Catoire at our parade meetings for additional information and/or to place your order for this great DVD.
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LET'S HAVE A SAFE CELEBRATION!!!
As usual, the Italian American Marching Club will strictly enforce all safety precautions in order to ensure that all of our Maids, members, parade participants, and
spectators enjoy a fun and safe parade. Everyone's safety and welfare is of the utmost importance to our organization. All members must start and finish the parade with their respective legions and chariots.
Members are to remain with their designated parade group. Members are never to march with the floats and/or Maids. Additionally, members are never to march behind the Fire Truck at the end of the parade. Any and
all members who become intoxicated or cause any type of disturbance during the parade will be removed from the parade. All of our members are asked to keep an eye out for their fellow marchers. If you need any assistance,
the organization's officers and/or the police are prepared to help. Additionally, all of the drivers in our parade are prohibited from consuming any type of alcoholic beverage prior to and during the parade. Any
driver found drinking prior to or during the parade will be immediately removed from his vehicle – no exceptions and no discussions.
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RENEWAL TIME TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS
Each parade season you can advertise your business in the Business Card Directory of our newsletters for only $100.00. We send out approximately six to seven newsletters per season to over 700 members. We also post our Business Card Directory on our official websites. This is a tremendous opportunity for you to show your pride in your heritage and to get the word out about your business! We will be renewing our Business Card Directory immediately following our 2008 parade. If you are currently on our Business Card Directory, it's time to renew. If not, it's time to get onboard! For more information concerning our Business Card Directory, please contact George Cortello at (504)891-8573 or (504)831-2458.
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IAMC WEBSITES
Please visit our websites at www.italianamericanmarchingclub.org, www.italianamericanmarchingclub.com, or www.italianclub.org. You can add these websites to your Favorites to make sure you have access to our organization's history, benefits of membership, photographs, recent newsletters, and contact information. There is even a Membership Application which can be completed on-line or printed so your friends can easily join our organization.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
February 27, 2008 Second 2008 Parade Meeting @ Beads by the Dozen March 2,
2008 2008 IAMC Maid Presentation @ the Piazza D'Italia March 2,
2008 2008 IAMC Daughter-Father/Grandfather Luncheon @ Salvatore's Ristorante March 5,
2008 Third 2008 Parade Meeting @ Beads by the Dozen March 7,
2008 2008 IAMC St. Joseph's Pasta Party @ the New Orleans Hilton Hotel Riverside March 7,
2008 2008 IAMC Honoree Dinner @ the New Orleans Hilton Hotel Riverside
March 8, 2008 2008 St. Joseph's Parade March 8, 2008 2008 St.
Joseph's Gala and Maid Presentation @ the New Orleans Hilton Hotel Riverside
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Italian American Marching Club
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