Meticulously prepared in every detail, the Aquila Hall was transformed with a rich display of colours, soft lighting and sparkling decorations, creating the perfect setting to welcome the upcoming Christmas season.
The careful planning was evident throughout the event and once again reflected the committee’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful and well-attended social occasions for its members.
Asked whether any of the club’s many members were missing, secretary Maria Marcuccio replied: “Perhaps only those who couldn’t attend for health reasons.”
“Otherwise,” she continued, “almost everyone is here, enjoying the afternoon with friends.
“Our afternoon functions are always very popular because many of our members live alone, especially widows, who make up the majority.
“Loneliness can be hard, particularly when husbands pass away first, and that’s why, as soon as a new event is announced, they’re among the first to put their names down.”
From the early afternoon, the atmosphere was one of genuine warmth and light-hearted enjoyment. Many of the women arrived with carefully styled hair and elegant outfits in classic Christmas colours, clearly keen to make the most of an occasion they had been looking forward to.
As guests entered the hall, they were greeted by a stream of hugs, smiles and heartfelt exchanges between friends—some of whom had been waiting weeks to see one another again.
Marcuccio soon took to the microphone on behalf of committee president Anna Dimanate, who was attending with her husband Cesidio.
She warmly welcomed everyone, thanked members for their strong turnout and extended special greetings to Casa d’Abruzzo president Fernando Cardinale and his wife Connie, as well as to guest Frank Di Blasi, president of the Avondale Heights & East Keilor Residents’ Association, whose presence was warmly acknowledged.
On stage, maestro Paolo Pergolese on keyboard, joined by Nick Farfalla, set the tone for a lively afternoon.
A well-prepared lunch was interspersed with upbeat music that quickly drew many guests onto the dance floor. As tradition dictates, the proceedings officially began with the Italian and Australian national anthems, observed with respect and participation.
The afternoon then unfolded smoothly between enjoyable courses and regular returns to the dance floor.
Guests danced enthusiastically to Christmas songs alongside well-known favourites from Italian and English music of the 1970s and ’80s, creating an inclusive and joyful atmosphere.
Also in attendance was former president Alberto Verna, who led the club for more than 11 years, guiding it from just 39 members to several hundred. He attended with his wife Elvira and was warmly greeted by many, a clear sign of the lasting respect and affection he continues to enjoy.
Invited to speak, Cardinale and Di Blasi both offered their best wishes and congratulated the organisers on a beautifully run event.
“Not only are you the largest senior citizens’ club in numerical terms,” Di Blasi noted, “but you are also an outstanding example for similar clubs across the state.
“This is thanks not only to a committed and capable committee, but also to the opportunity members have to meet here every week at the Casa d’Abruzzo Club, making use of excellent social and sporting facilities under one roof—one of the most respected Abruzzese clubs in Australia.”
