Villa Charities Celebrates
International Women’s Day 2022
“Our Voices, Our History”
An evening of stories about the challenges and successes of Italian-Canadian women.

Tuesday, March 8, 6:30pm
 
Villa Charities in partnership with Vibrant Women’s Voices and Com.It.Es. celebrates
2022 International Women’s Day with a presentation that reflects on the stories of a
group of Italian-Canadian women. From professional figures to volunteers, community leaders to authors, these women share their perseverance, stamina, courage and determination in a world where their presence has not been valued, or their efforts
and contributions recognized. Join us for an exemplary journey for future generations.
 
Speakers include Marisa Agostini, Anna Ciardullo Villapiana, Lillian Conti, Bruna Di Giuseppe, Maria Di Marco, Michela Di Marco, Laura Libralato and Laura Tonelli,
followed by a Q & A.

A ‘pay what you can’ event. Donations welcome at the door. 
Villa Charities
Villa Charities and Columbus Centre Reopening Updates 
Following the current Ontario reopening guidelines, Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre have lifted all capacity restrictions and proof of vaccination requirements for patrons, members and visitors. Other protective measures such as mask/face covering requirements, hygiene/cleaning protocols, physical distancing and self-screening will still be in place.
Click here to watch an interview with
the artist by CTV’s Pauline Chan.
“2050: Artifacts from the Future of Medicine” Now Open
Artist, scientist, philosopher, futurist, Nick D’Aleandro imagines fictional realities where medicine, genetic engineering, micro technologies, and robotics, come together to stave off disease and prolong human life. D’Aleandro has delivered a tour-de-force exhibition representing 25 years of drawing, collage, sculpture, and video art, populated by “orgs”, androids, and cyborgs. Don’t miss this exhibition, on now through April 3 at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery.

Cultural Tuesdays Explores “The Italian Plato”
A fascinating two-part series presented by Dr. André Lanoue as part of our Cultural Tuesdays programming. Discover Plato’s trips to southern Italy, where Pythagoreanism blossomed throughout the 6th and 5th centuries in “Plato’s Sicilian Influences” on Tuesday, March 15. “Renaissance Platonism in Florence” on Tuesday, March 22 explores the foundation of the Florentine Platonic Academy.
Click here to watch an interview with the authors on OMNI Italian News.
“What is the Language of Power” Exclusive Book Launch Event
Join Villa Charities along with authors and UTM professors Simone Casini and Salvatore Bancheri for a special book launch event on Friday, March 18 at 7:00pm at the Columbus Centre. “What is the Language of Power?” reflects on the concept of power from a linguistic perspective. This book launch is a great opportunity to meet the authors. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A. Participants will also be given the opportunity to purchase a signed copy. Presented in partnership with University
of Toronto Mississauga. RSVP today!
Enjoy Authentic Italian Cuisine with “Taste of Fruili” 
For our Taste of Italy series, join us to savour the flavours of the Italian peninsula. Indulge in delicious and authentic Italian dishes prepared Slow Food Toronto President and Chef, Luciano Schipano. 
Our next dinner, “Taste of Friuli”, is on Friday, March 25 at 7:00pm at the Columbus Centre and includes a four-course meal! Get your tickets early for this ’gastronomic journey through the peninsula’ before the event sells out!

March’s Book Club Selection is Here!
We invite you to embark on literary adventures with extraordinary works by acclaimed prize-winning authors! Register now to discuss “Palomar” by
Italo Calvino on Wednesday, March 30
at 7:00pm. Our “Club del Libro” online language workshop with Violante Binazzi
is an opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian.
“Learn Italian by Doing” and Enhance Your Italian Language Skills
Our virtual language workshops will make learning or polishing your Italian language skills easy and fun. At “Travel Through Italy” with Adele Addorisio you’ll have engaging conversations about the country and its customs. Or, discuss the most significant art news and events from around the world using Italian magazines and newspapers at our “Art & Aperitivo” classes. Classes are weekly – find all the details on our website.
Last Chance to Buy Tickets for “So I Married A Mangiacake” 
Villa Charities presents “So I Married A Mangiacake,” on Saturday, March 5, 3:00pm & 8:00pm at The Royal Theatre in Toronto. Through memories, family footage, and music, professional stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Guido Cocomello comedically explores how meeting his wife (Mangiacake) and his father’s death, influenced his life. This
one-man show is a feast for your senses that will have you howling at our cultural differences and will make you want to hold your loved ones closer. Best availability for the 3pm performance.
Explore Your Ancestry with Italian Family Tree Workshops
Villa Charities invites you to join the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club’s Family Tree Guy Don Rampone for a series of eight online workshops beginning March 17, to help you create and grow your own family tree. These interactive and participatory, introductory-level workshops will encourage attendees to share their own examples, which will be used as educational opportunities. 
Preserving Italy’s Catholic Church Registries
This virtual Cultural Tuesdays presentation on March 29 by Suzanne Greco, founder of the “Italian Parish Records” project, discusses the importance of these
hand-written registries and the urgent need to digitize these records, to preserve the priceless history of Italy.
Bring Your Dancing Shoes to “Ballo Liscio” 
Get ready for the return of our popular “Ballo Liscio” music and dancing nights at the Columbus Centre, beginning Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30pm. Enjoy these social dancing events every week with live musical performances by Bruno Nesci. Tickets are $5.00 at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Francesco Paolo Tosti Tribute Concert on April 9
Villa Charities is proud to support
“My Name is Francesco Paolo Tosti”,
a tribute to the famous Italian composer Francesco Paolo Tosti, performed by Goran Dime, tenor, and Ivan Jovanovic, piano. One of the most celebrated composers from the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th century, the evening will feature a program of Tosti’s most beautiful songs and exceptional Italian poetry. One performance only – Saturday, April 9, 8:00pm at the
Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street West. Tickets are $45.00.

“The Quiet Immigrant Project” Pays Tribute to
‘Le Femmine Forti’
Villa Charities is excited to announce
“The Quiet Immigrant Project,” an homage to the brave Italian women who immigrated to Canada after WW2 and through sheer strength of character wove their way into the fabric of society. Their stories of strength, courage, determination, and sacrifice are sure to move, amuse, and captivate. “The Quiet Immigrant Project”
is a multifaceted, multimedia, and multilayered legacy exhibit, which will
open at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery on April 24, 2022.
Presented by Cultural Connections
and sponsored by Villa Charities.
Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco
You can have a virtual meeting with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., for a one-on-one conversation to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. These informal chats with Marco will be held using GoToMeeting on the 2nd Friday of every month, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments are 20 minutes each and must be scheduled in advance. The next Friday Chats is scheduled for Friday, March 11. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call
416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.

Villa Charities Foundation
Register Now for the
Ital-Canadian Golf Open
Join us on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at The Country Club, as CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada, and Villa Charities Foundation come together again to celebrate our community and give back in a meaningful way. Proceeds from The
Ital-Canadian Golf Open will support scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate and graduate level
students across the country.

for details and to register.
50% Off Giro Registration!
Join us on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Veneto Centre in Woodbridge for the Villa Charities Giro cycling fundraiser. Giro will provide our community with a day of celebration while reuniting in an atmosphere of fun and friendship. Don’t miss your chance to sign up for Giro with 50% registration (regular $100) now until March 20, 2022.

Columbus Centre
Register Now for Spring Term Music Classes!
Registration is now open for the spring term at Columbus Centre School of Music, beginning Monday, April 4 for 12 weeks. We offer a wide variety of music lessons that are open to anyone of any skill level. Our seasonal one-on-one private lessons in vocals, guitar, piano, violin, flute, clarinet, or drums are taught by our highly skilled professional instructors.
Full details on our website.
Join the Athletic Club Before March 15 and Save!
Our special offer for new members has just been extended to March 15! Join the Columbus Centre Athletic Club and take advantage of zero enrollment fees, 50% off your first 2 months, free fitness assessment, and a chance to win a FREE general membership for a year! Applicable to new members only with a minimum three-month commitment. Register by March 15 and quote Promo Code CCAC2022. 

Try Your Hand at Squash and Racquetball
Try your hand at squash and racquetball
on one of our five courts and make strides
in your game. Whether you are a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, everyone is 
welcome! Our “Rust Remover” program is for intermediate players returning to squash with a six-week program beginning on March 27. Our All-Girls Learn to Play Squash Program beginning March 30 is geared for girls aged 6 to 14 who are new to the sport and the Adult Beginner Learn to Play is a six-week program starting March 30 with a focus on squash fundamentals.

Visit our website for full details and 
Need to Relax? Book a Massage Appointment!
Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and delivers many
health benefits. Please call us today at 416-789-7011 Ext. 268 to book your session at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club with one of our registered massage therapists. The Columbus Centre offers a variety of wellness services for both members and non-members.
Paint Your Own Masterpiece with our Online Workshops
Join professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa, as he guides you on creating your very own masterpiece, while enhancing your understanding of specific painting techniques. Register now for our next online workshop, “Rock ‘n’ Robin” on Thursday, March 31 at 6:30pm. While learning to render convincing textures such as stone and wood, we will explore composition and use of a common subject as a focal point. Enroll today!
Villa Colombo Toronto
Villa Colombo Toronto Needs Volunteers!
Do you want to give back to your community? The greatest gift you can give to our seniors is your time. Villa Colombo Toronto is currently looking for volunteers to help assist with religious/Mass escorts, Meals on Wheels delivery, art and music programs, friendly visits, and more.

Contact Villa Colombo at 416-789-2113 ext. 2216 or by email at volunteering@villacolombo.on.ca.
Villa Colombo Vaughan
Villa Colombo Vaughan Remembers Father Vito
Villa Colombo Vaughan and the entire community fondly remember Father
Vito Marziliano, who passed away last month. Father Vito was always generous with his time, thoughtful in his approach and comforting with his prayers, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was also instrumental in arranging for Cardinal Collins to celebrate mass in the home’s chapel, which was a cherished event for the residents.