The Kelowna Canadian Italian Club is proud to name our communication publication THE GRAPEVINE once again.

The very first Grapevine newsletter was produced and mailed to members via Canada Post on March 1, 1975.  The cost of a Canadian stamp was .06!

Past President Giuseppe (Joe) Iafrancesco and his wife Bianca have collected and preserved many of the original newsletters since the start.

We thank Mrs. Iafrancesco who has generously allowed us access to these copies to share with our members.  These documents are a priceless treasure of our club’s history, made available for us to enjoy. 
We will continue to share the past 47 years of “The Grapevine” with you through our social media and on our new webpage “The Grapevine.”
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We would like to acknowledge Clara Poitras, Bianca (Russo) Iafrancesco, Erza Rampone, Lina (Russo) Cuglietta and Pina Scinicariello for editing the very first Grapevine on March 1, 1975.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to long time member and KCIC past president Caesar Turri. Caesar and his wife Nita played a huge role in helping many new members of Kelowna's Italian Community adjust to life in their new home.  Those that wish to virtually attend Caesar's Funeral Mass can do so by clicking the link below. The service will be livestreaming this Saturday, March 6 at 10:30 am.

The Consolato d'Italia in Canada, Vancouver has asked us to notify members that the Italian pension plan provider (INPS) has extended the timeline to provide proof of living for the eligibility for the pension. The new deadline is May 7 (instead of Feb 5). The full letter (in Italian) can be downloaded below. 

We received this letter from the Italian Consulate in Vancouver. The original Italian is below the English version:

​Consulate General of Italy – Vancouver
 
Vancouver, Dec 4, 2020
 
Dear all,
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In a year when our travels were severely limited from the ongoing health emergency, I would like to restate my thanks for the valuable assistance you have provided to our community.
 
The Italians present in such a vast district have benefited from one strong network at their service in Western Canada that has proved up to the challenges faced in this difficult 2020.
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I'm sorry that I couldn't visit your community, which although geographically distant from our homeland, have always kept the Italian spirit alive abroad.
 
I remain at your disposal, along with the entire office, for any of your needs and initiatives. I wish you to spend the next Christmas holidays in serenity and above all in good health for 2021.
 
Best wishes
Il Console Generale
Fabio Messineo

Con tutti,

In un anno in cui i nostri movimenti sono stati fortemente limitati dall' emergenza sanitaria ancora in corso, desi

I connazionali presenti in una circoscrizione cosi vasta hanno beneficiato di una forte rete al loro servizio in Canada occidentale che si e dimostrata all' altezza delle sfide affrontate in questo difficile 2020. 

Mi dispiace non aver potuto visitare le V ostre comunita che, seppur geograficamente distanti dalla nostra Patria, mantengono sempre vivo l' animo dell'italianita all'estero. 

Rimango a V ostra disposizione, insieme a tutto l 'ufficio, per qualsiasi V ostra esigenza ed iniziativa. 
Vi auguro di trascorrere le prossime festivita natalizie in serenita e soprattutto tanta salute per il 2021. 

con i migliori auguri
Il Console Generale
Fabio Messineo