Three Powell River Italian Community Club members were recognized for more than 70 years of membership each at the club’s annual general meeting.
Elio Cossarin was recognized for 71 years of membership, and for 70 years with the club, Giovanni (John) De Vita and Rio Cecconi were recognized.
Italian community club president Dan De Vita, who was able to present a 70-year membership plaque to his father Giovanni, said a number of club members were recognized for long service at the annual general meeting, ranging from 25 to 70 years. This included six members of 50 years’ membership and nine 60-year members.
“We were established in 1937 and we’ve been in our location in Wildwood since 1964,” said Dan. “We’ve done a lot of things over the years.
“We’ve just done a bunch of renovations in our hall, thanks to the Powell River Community Forest, so now we’re more attractive for weddings and community events.”
Dan said the club has an aging population. He said his father, for example, is 91 years old.
“We’ve got people who are almost 100 years old,” said Dan. “We don’t have any founders left, obviously, but it wasn’t that long ago that we lost our last one.
“We’re a vibrant club and we have a real cross-section of members. You don’t have to be Italian to join the club. If you’d like to join, that’s great. We’re always looking for members.”
Dan said the annual general meeting was a great day to celebrate the existence of the club and the people who have made it such a success for 84 years. He said COVID-19 has hampered celebrations over the last couple of years but it was great to come together in person this year at the annual general meeting.
“It’s a good club, it’s a vibrant club,” added Dan, “and we have lots of great volunteers.”
