The death knell of a bastion of Richmond memories spanning decades has sounded.
ANAF 284 Steveston has abruptly closed its doors following an internal investigation of its finances.
Tom Brander, president of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Unit 284, told the Richmond News the closure is related to “cash flow” but wouldn’t provide further details.
Brander, who isn’t ruling out a reopening, announced the closure Sunday on the ANAF 284 Facebook page.
“Based on the information that we have obtained in the last few weeks and with the circumstances confirmed by our investigation, I, and the executive, have decided to close the club effective Monday, March 5, 2018. I believe that this is in the best interest of the club's future allowing for time to completely restructure. We will advise the membership shortly of a special meeting in a future email.
I and my executive would like to thank you in advance for your support in the past, your patience during this time, and your continued support as we address all of our club's outstanding issues,” noted Brander.
It wasn’t long ago that ANAF 284 went cap in hand to Richmond City Hall to ask for a property tax exemption, which never materialized. Then, in late 2014, the club was scheduled to close in 2015 due to financial problems.
The News understands ANAF has outstanding loans in excess of at least $150,000.
According to B.C. ANAVETS Dominion Command secretary treasurer Ruby Mein, the command was surprised to hear of the closure as well. Mein said command president Sharon Goshko would be meeting with ANAF 284 on Tuesday.
ANAF 284 appears to have no liquid assets from which it can tap.
According to past secretary Sharon Boyce, ANAF 284 previously sold a portion of its No. 1 Road property to keep afloat then it stratified its No. 1 Road property resulting in the 2009 re-development of the one-story clubhouse into a new clubhouse and 144-unit seniors’ housing facility, the Maple Residences.
Because of a 60-year lease agreement between the Maple Residences and ANAF 284’s holding company, ANAF 284 does not have a mortgage for the new clubhouse.
But despite the savings Boyce said mismanagement has led to the current situation. She noted it has already borrowed money to restructure its clubhouse operation.
News of the closure appeared to spread fast as the clubhouse, a licensed pub, was packed Sunday night with meat draw participants.
Suzanne and Allan Yochim joined friends Ralph Howard and Roger Doucet at one table for a last pint.
Howard and Doucet both agreed that it was the Super Bowl parties that were the most memorable.
Suzanne cited the old dances while Allan spoke highly of the frequent live bands, including Elvis impersonators.
The ANAF clubhouse operated as members-only. As such doors to the clubhouse remain locked and the public (non-members) was generally barred from enjoying the many large screen TVs, snooker tables, dart boards and dance floor.
ANAF 284 has played a historically vital role in supporting local veterans since its inception in 1946.
