My heart broke when I first heard that the Dante Literary Society in South Scranton will soon close its doors for good. I had the privilege of serving as its president from 2009 to 2012. Despite the challenges and aggravations that comes with a position like this, I consider it among the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Many know it simply as the Dante club. For years, it was a popular location for political rallies and delicious pasta dinners. Growing up, I never understood why its name was the Dante Literary Society. After all, there never were any books of great literature lying around. Most of the older Italian men there played either cards or bocce, with the scent of Parodi cigars and homemade wine filling the air.

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Source: http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/