Celebrate International Jazz Day with “Jazz’s Greatest Hits,” featuring an all-star ensemble led by drummer and arranger Daniel Barnes alongside JUNO Award–winning musicians. Join us tonight at 7:30pm for music made famous by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and more, with fresh interpretations that highlight the richness and enduring appeal of jazz. This concert is part of Jazz at the Columbus Centre, a five-concert series running through December 3. Tickets are still available!

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Don’t miss a full weekend of literary programming from May 1 to 3 as Librissimi – Toronto Italian Book Festival returns to the Columbus Centre. The festival opens tomorrow at 7:00pm with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award presentation, recognizing Professor Joseph Pivato, a leading scholar and early advocate of Italian Canadian literature. The evening also includes a silent auction, a photo exhibition, a cocktail reception, and live music. Presented in partnership with Librissimi – Toronto Italian Book Festival.

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Experience the artistic and cultural heart of Italy’s oldest carnival with a FREE screening of “Cartapesta: Carnevale di Fano” on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm. Directed by acclaimed Fano-born filmmaker Andrea Lodovichetti, the documentary explores the centuries-old tradition of creating massive papier-mâché floats, highlighting the craftsmanship, engineering, and creativity behind them. Screened in Italian with English subtitles.

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Take a closer look at how “democracy” has been used to shape power abroad on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00pm in “Democratic Violence Abroad: Democracy and Regime-Change in Classical Greece.” Led by University of Toronto lecturer and researcher Giulio Leghissa, this lecture traces the idea to Classical Greece, where Athens established democracies to strengthen its empire, provoking hostility and contributing to its downfall. This lecture is part of the “Democracy: Origins, Transformations and Global Legacies” series.

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Visit the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery to explore the haunting dreamscape of “Everything Must Go,” where memories of shopping malls and department stores come to life. Curated by the WARD 9 collective, this group exhibition features fragmented vignettes inspired by retail aesthetics and mall design, with artworks presented through themed ‘departments’ within intentionally sparse, retail-inspired installations. The exhibition runs until May 14, 2026.

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Learn how Fascist monuments have been preserved, adapted and removed in contemporary Italy on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00pm. Professor and historian Joshua Arthurs presents “The Afterlives of Fascist Monuments in Contemporary Italy,” tracing the history of Fascist monuments, architecture, and iconography from the fall of Benito Mussolini’s regime to the present day. The lecture explores how these sites are interpreted - as infrastructure, heritage, or symbols - and what these debates reveal about Italian society and culture today.

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Learn how to make Nonna’s favourite dishes and save with our pasta-making class bundles. “Pasta-Making Classes: Classics of Nonna’s Table” is an eight-session culinary program that begins with Tagliatelle al Ragù on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30pm and continues until July 7. Guided by Chef Luciano Schipano, each hands-on class explores traditional regional dishes, with a tasting, take-home pasta, and a recipe to make it again at home. For the best value, register for all 8 sessions and save $60, or create your own 4-session package. Presented in partnership with Chef Luciano Schipano.

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We invite all members of the community to join us on Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00pm at the Columbus Centre for the Villa Charities Annual General Meeting. The meeting will include brief presentations highlighting the past year, along with Q&A sessions with Villa Charities Inc. and each of the affiliate organizations. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to iusic@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 Ext. 240 by Thursday, May 21.

Celebrate Italy’s national holiday on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00pm with a special evening performance by Coro San Marco. Led by Daniele Colla, the acclaimed choir presents an inspiring program of Italian opera classics by Puccini, Vivaldi, and Verdi, honouring the passion and beauty of Italy’s rich musical tradition. Light refreshments will be served.

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Introduce your toddler to Italian language and culture through our Italian Immersion Toddler Program, presented in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. Designed for children aged 1 to 3, this fun, play-based program features songs, play, and engaging activities led by a genuine Italian instructor. The program runs until June 15, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays from 9:00 - 10:00am at the Columbus Centre.

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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 meetings will be held on Friday, May 1 and June 5. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am, 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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The Villa Charities 19^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser, presented by LiUNA OPDC, is quickly approaching on Sunday, May 24, and time is running out to be part of this meaningful community event. All registered 2026 Giro participants who meet and exceed the fundraising minimum will receive limited-edition incentives, with an incredible ride experience through Vaughan and the surrounding area. Sign up, start fundraising, and help us cross the finish line together in support of a great cause.

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Villa Charities Foundation is looking for friendly and energetic volunteers to support the 19^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 24 at the Veneto Centre. Shifts are from from 6:30am to 4:00pm and roles include greeting cyclists, registration, raffle ticket sales, food service, rest stop support, and more. If you are interested, please email us by Friday, May 15.

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Calling all golfers! Villa Charities Foundation is proud to once again be the beneficiary of the 8^th Annual Maranello BMW Golf Open, taking place on Monday, June 8 at King Valley Golf Club. Enjoy a full day of exceptional golf, premium hospitality, and memorable on- and off-course experiences, including breakfast, lunch, your golf cart, and access to a variety of on-site vendors. Don’t miss the chance to connect with NHL legend Gary Roberts, known for his elite mindset and commitment to peak performance. Early-bird pricing is available for a limited time and increases after April 30, so be sure to secure your spot early.

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Take your mom out for a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10 at 12:00pm in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu featuring an antipasto bar, prosciutto and pasta stations, a plated entrée, and a dessert station of Italian favourites, along with live entertainment by Alessandro Battaglia. Adult tickets are $100 and children (ages 4–10) are $50, inclusive of taxes. Space is limited and reservations are required. Presented by Columbus Event Centre and Chef Luciano Schipano Hospitality Group.

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Attention students ages 18 to 25! Looking for somewhere to work out this summer? Look no further than the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Explore our 11,000 sq. ft. gym with state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, an indoor pool, running track, and tennis, squash, and pickleball courts. Sign up by Sunday, May 31 and pay NO enrollment fees -- a savings of up to $100. Don’t miss this limited-time student offer.

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Take your dance skills to new heights this summer with exclusive training for competitive-level dancers. Push your limits, refine your technique, and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed. Registration is now open for the DanzArts Toronto 2026 Summer Series. Email us for more information.

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Challenge yourself with Jiu Jitsu classes at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. This dynamic martial art focuses on controlling an opponent through ground-based grappling, with techniques such as positional control, joint locks, and chokes. Beyond its practical self-defence applications, Jiu Jitsu builds strength, endurance, and mobility while offering a mental challenge just as rewarding as the physical. Spaces available to both Members and Non-Members.

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Give your child a summer to remember with Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre. For over 40 years, we’ve offered high-quality camp programs for children ages 4 -14 in an inclusive and inspiring environment. From the All-In-One Camp Experience to specialty camps in Italian Language, Cooking, Soccer, Pickleball, and more, there’s something for every interest. Camps run from June 29 to August 28.

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Host your next birthday or special celebration at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Our indoor pool rentals offer a fun and memorable experience for guests of all ages, complete with certified staff on-site to ensure a safe and stress-free celebration. Visit our website for full pricing and details.

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The Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) is gearing up for its 35^th Annual Golf Tournament at Glen Eagle Golf Club on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:15am. Enjoy a full day of connection and community, starting with breakfast followed by a round of golf, a sit-down lunch, raffle prizes, a silent auction, and a celebration of this year’s champions. Proceeds support impactful projects that enhance the lives of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto.

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Leonardo Da Vinci Academy recently had the honour of attending the Società Dante Alighieri luncheon on Sunday, March 29, where we were formally recognized as an Ambassador School of Italophonia in Canada. This distinction celebrates our ongoing commitment to promoting and strengthening the Italian language and culture within our school community. In addition to this recognition, we are also proud to be a member of the Associazione delle Scuole Italiane nel Mondo (ADASIM), a distinction that sets us apart as the only school in Canada included in this organization. Together, these honours reflect our dedication to fostering meaningful cultural and linguistic connections through Italian education and enrichment. 

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