The sweet bread panettone is a more common addition to the Canadian Christmas, but recipes with things like chocolate or pistachios may not pass muster with Italian traditionalists. CBC’s Italy correspondent Megan Williams took us on a deep dive into the doughy world of panettone.
(Courtesy of the Current with Matt Galloway on CBC Radio)

The Vancouver Italian Consulate will be sending their passport agent, Luigi Sarno, to help anyone who is looking to renew their Italian passport. He will be taking appointments at the Clubhouse from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday, January 16 and also in the morning of January 17.

​Appointments are required. Please email them at passaporti.vancouver@esteri.it to book your time directly with them.

The Kelowna Canadian Italian Club is pleased to announce two special donations made recently.

The New Vintage Theatre was the recipient of a $400.00 donation by the KCIC.  These funds were raised at the recent "So I Married A Mangiacake" performed by Actor-Comedian Guido Cocomello at the Mary Irwin Theatre.  The New Vintage Theatre is a group of professional artists who bring new, innovative contemporary theatre to Kelowna.  

On Sunday November 27th, KCIC hosted over 150 members and their families at St. Pius Hall for the much-anticipated return of our Family Christmas Party. 

Everyone enjoyed great company, and a delicious pasta buffet lunch. Thanks to Chef Josie Guerini and her kitchen crew (Rita Conroy, Susanne (Guido) DiFabrizio, Maria Torriero,  Gerry Petretta and Magdelena and Maria Monna)  who worked so hard for 3 days making meatballs and sauce!

The Catarattas (Darrell Scriver, Nick and Filomema) entertained us as they led us in some singalongs of favorite Christmas carols, followed by our resident crooner "Gino" who sang a few songs in Italian. What Christmas party would not be complete if Santa and Mrs. Claus didn't stop by? The kids were able to get their wish lists in early and take a photo with him.

Mille Grazie to our generous community donors: Pharmasave Glenmore, White Spot and Montana's BBQ & Bar who provided gifts for the kids as well as door prizes. 

Thank you to our committee: Rhonda Ewen, Elena Tostenson, Jill Hotchkiss, Mary Wooldridge, Patricia Rantucci and the over 30 other volunteers who helped organize, cook, decorate, clean up or just help wherever needed to make this event so successful. 

Thank you to all the KCIC members and their families who came out to join us. We wish you and all your families a Happy Holiday Season and look forward to seeing you again next year!

Buon Natale!
Rhonda Ewen, Committee Chair

Each year the KCIC gives a bursary of $750 to a student in the Kelowna area.  The criteria for this bursary is a membership history of at least 5 years by a parent of Italian descent.  

As our membership fees are only $25 per adult per year, this is a great way to give your child a chance at receiving a $750 bursary towards their post-secondary education.

The winner’s name is not revealed until graduation day, and is a wonderful surprise for the student.

Keep your memberships current, and please remind your graduating child to apply through the COBSS application forms available at each school.

If you have any questions about the bursary, please contact Mary Bazzana through the KCIC email - kcic@shaw.ca.