Winner: Claire Tatangelo, Halifax, NS

Creative Project: “In the Cards”

This story is a 30-page fictional graphic novel, suitable for all ages, set in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the fall of 2022. It is about an Italian Canadian girl who wishes to visit the site where her grandparents arrived in Canada, however she encounters a natural disaster that changes her journey. Through dreams, she communicates with her Nonna, who gives her advice about how to make it through the storm and help others along the way.

“Anna embarks on a road trip to visit the site where her Italian grandparents arrived for the first time in Halifax many years ago. But the adventure proves to be riskier than she had expected as Hurricane Fiona crashes in. Through dreams and lessons, she learned while playing cards with her Nonna, she finds the strength to move on after the hurricane and experience the true beauty of the East Coast.”

Winner: Daniel Monte, Woodbridge, ON

Creative Project: “Same Song”

Daniel Monte has embarked on creating an eclectic mix of original music with the assistance and help from the Villa Charities Young Artist Grant. The songs each touch on the intricacies of what it means to be human through stories of fear, sin and acceptance. Included in the collection are songs such as "Same Song" and "Same Song II", which discuss cultural overlap and how people throughout history have shared and incorporated elements of each other's traditions, resulting in a global sound of mixed influence. The album features traditional instrumentation like strings, mandolins, Uilleann Pipes, Bagpipes, Tamburello, and various other traditional sounds wrapped up in a unique alternative pop sound. The collection will guide the listener throughout the various human emotions and give them an eclectic outlook on music, sound, culture and what it means to be untied as people.

Winner: Ruggero Romano, Vancouver, BC

Creative Project: “Tajar”

“Tajar” is an experimental short film exploring the enduring legacy of the Italian grape harvest. Through archival footage from 1950s Italy and contemporary visuals, it captures the passage of tradition across generations. Made possible by the Villa Charities Young Artist Grant, this project reflects on the role of community, heritage, and cultural continuity in a modern world.

The act of cutting—both in harvesting grapes and in film editing—becomes a bridge across time, connecting generations through shared gestures, memories, and traditions that continue to shape our cultural identity.

Explore “On New Ground: Giuseppe Mercurio Toronto Retrospective” at the Opening Reception on Thursday, September 4 at 6:00pm. A significant figure in Canada’s Italian artistic diaspora after the Second World War, Mercurio’s two decades of work span from symbolic black-and-white photography to bold, experimental canvases. Admission to the reception is free, but advance registration is required. Presented as part of Ontario Culture Days, the exhibition runs from September 4–29, 2025.

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Step back into the golden age of Las Vegas on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:30pm with “Jump, Jive & Wail: A Tribute to Louis Prima”, featuring Rocco Continenza and the Testifiers. This high-energy 8-piece band brings Prima’s biggest hits to life, including “Oh Marie,” “Zooma Zooma,” “Buona Sera,” and more. Part lounge act, part history lesson, and part celebration of Sicilian contributions to jazz, this interactive show is sure to be a whole lotta fun. Presented in partnership with Frank Adriano Entertainment.

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Join us for Festa delle Ciambelle on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00pm, featuring a live demonstration by the Veroli Cultural Society on how to make ciambelle, the traditional anise-flavoured bread from Veroli in Italy’s Lazio region. The evening will also include music by Gianni Mignardi, plus wine, biscotti, and light refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Veroli Cultural Society.

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Marlene Giuliano presents her book “The Devil in His Big Blue Eyes” on Friday, September 12 at 7:00pm in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. She tells the true story of her family’s struggle after her teenage son, facing bullying and isolation, made an online pact with the devil. With faith, church support, and resilience, he recovered. Join us for this free book launch that shares a moving story of courage and hope.

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Experience the Italian tradition of tomato sauce-making on Sunday, September 14 from 11:00am to 1:30pm in the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard. Enjoy a pasta lunch with music by DJ Gianni Mignardi, then take home a complimentary jar of fresh tomato sauce—courtesy of Villa Charities!* Tickets are $5.00, with limited availability at the door.

*First-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

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Enjoy an evening of poetry and music with acclaimed poet, singer-songwriter, and educator Joseph Maviglia on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00pm. Through readings from his book “A God Hangs Upside Down” and selections from his music collection, Joseph reflects on his journey from rural southern Italy to urban Canada. Renowned for his powerful performances, he blends music, poetry—drawing on a career spanning decades and international tours. The performance will be followed by an audience Q&A.

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Visit the Academy of Realist Art and enjoy free guided studio gallery tours on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays from September 20 until October 11. Students follow a unique step-by-step process to develop the skills and disciplines needed for realist art. Discover the in-studio gallery to view classical works by both students and master instructors.

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Take part in free Recreational Drop-in Dance Classes with DanzArts Toronto from September 22 until September 27. Open to all skill levels, these sessions introduce children (ages 2.5+) and adults to the joy of dance by showcasing its benefits in a fun and inclusive environment. Classes include Tiny Tots, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Acro.

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Unwind with a free Gentle Hatha Yoga session set against the backdrop of inspiring artwork in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery on Tuesday, September 30 at 1:00pm. Instructor Seth Mohan will guide participants through movement, meditation, and breathing techniques that support mental and physical well-being. Presented in partnership with the Columbus Centre Athletic Club.

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Celebrate Italian literature at Books and Biscotti on Wednesday, October 1 at 7:00pm with an evening of poetry and short stories. This free event includes readings by Italian Canadian authors Bruna Di Giuseppe-Bertoni, Natalie Boccia, Joe Giampaolo, Christopher Manieri, Gianna Patriarca, and Maria Zarrone. Coffee and biscotti will be served. Hurry, space is limited!

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The Villa Colombo Seniors Art Show will be held on Tuesday, October 4 at 11:00am in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. This free event highlights artwork created by the seniors group at Villa Colombo Toronto, celebrating their creativity and artistic expression. Works on display are also available for purchase.

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Book your Friday Chats with Marco! Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, September 5. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am or 2:00pm, and must be scheduled in advance. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.

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Join the Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee for "Sicily in September", its inaugural launch mixer, on Friday, September 19 at 7:00pm at NODO Liberty in Toronto. This lively mixer invites young Italian Canadians and community supporters to connect, socialize, and network in an engaging atmosphere inspired by the warmth of Sicily. Enjoy gourmet appetizers, sip refreshing drinks, and indulge in decadent desserts—all while celebrating culture and connection.

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On Friday, November 7, 2025, Villa Charities will host the 2025 Heart & Hand Awards at Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre to honour our volunteers. This signature event is the premier recognition across the Villa Charities family, bringing together over 350 guests for an evening of dining, connection, and gratitude. Proceeds will support Villa Charities programs and services, including senior care, cultural programming, youth services, and education and scholarships. We hope you will be part of this memorable evening!

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Save on personal training at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club from now until September 15. Get up to 30% off* eight 1-hour private sessions with a Certified Personal Trainer, including InBody assessments and a full body composition review. Level up your fitness routine with expert guidance and limited-time savings.

*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

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Enhance your workouts this fall with Premium Fitness Programs at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Sign up for two or more programs and receive a FREE one‑month General Membership.* Registration is open now for TRX^®, Non-Contact Boxing, Judo, Yoga, Pilates, Pickleball, Squash, and more. Open to Members and Non-Members. Offer ends September 21, 2025.

*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

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Dive into fall with Aquafit classes and group swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. From low-impact workouts to skill-building lessons, our certified instructors offer programs for all ages and levels in our large indoor pool. Registration opens Tuesday, September 2 at 9:00am for Aquafit programs and Saturday, September 13 at 9:00am for group swimming lessons.

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Take advantage of the late summer warm weather and stay active on the outdoor tennis courts at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Outdoor Court Memberships are available to both Members and Non-Members, and courts are available daily from 7:00am to 10:00pm until October 31, 2025. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy this tennis and pickleball season!

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DanzArts Toronto offers professional-level training for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2025/2026 Dance Season! Visit danzartstoronto.com to view our 2025/2026 Recreational Schedule or contact us at dance@danzartstoronto.com with any questions. If you're interested in auditioning for our Competitive Team for the 2025/2026 season, please email us to learn more about the audition process and requirements. Don’t miss your chance to dance with us this season!

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Treat yourself to Wellness Services at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, available to both Members and Non-Members. Choose from Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, or Modern Cupping Therapy—each designed to ease stress, support recovery, and help you feel renewed. Book your appointment today or give the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate.

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Turn your next birthday or special event into a pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Our indoor pool rentals offer a fun and memorable experience for all ages, with certified staff on-site to ensure a safe and stress-free event. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and full details.

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Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents a Paint & Sip fundraising event on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00pm at Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets are $75 and include canvas, paint, brushes, two hours of guided painting instruction by a professional artist, a glass of wine, buffet dinner, coffee, tea, and dessert. Funds raised will support the residents of Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, September 25, 2025. To reserve, e-transfer vcla@villacolombo.on.ca or call 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260.

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August was filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful moments at Villa Colombo Vaughan. Residents enjoyed a wonderful outing to La Paloma, where they shared laughter, connection, and traditional gelato—a simple pleasure that created lasting memories. This month also marked a milestone as Villa Colombo Vaughan received a 3-Year CARF Accreditation, recognizing the outstanding care and services made possible by our staff, families, and residents. We also welcomed a new volunteer, Appy, whose weekly Art Program has quickly become a favourite, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Meanwhile, our courtyard gardens have flourished beautifully this year with fresh vegetables incorporated into meals and activities. In September, residents will use part of the harvest to make sugo, celebrating the cherished culinary traditions of our community.

Are you passionate about music, love to sing and want to join a community group of talented vocalists? Then look no further! The acclaimed Coro San Marco choir is seeking new singers for our 2025/2026 season. No matter your age or background, we believe that music unites us all. Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or just starting your musical journey, we invite you to join us. If you are interested, please contact Daniel Colla by email colladaniel@hotmail.com or phone: 647-289-1954.

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