Nonna and Kokum play an important role in shaping the lives of their granddaughters. With loving commitment, both grandmothers guide their granddaughters through their own people’s unique customs and traditions. Through a shared love for storytelling, each matriarch hopes to pass down their culture. Taking a closer look at these two cultures highlights how similar we truly are! Author Marisa Agostini will present excerpts from her latest children’s book tonight, October 10, 7:00pm. Copies of the book will also be available to purchase.

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At the Academy of Realist Art – the only art school of its kind in Canada – students learn the academic skills for classical drawing and painting. Through a unique step-by-step process, students master the skills and disciplines needed to create realist art. Visit the ARA in-studio art gallery on the third floor before Saturday, October 12 and be amazed by great classical works of art by our students and master instructors.

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Join for the opening reception on Thursday, October 17 of the exhibition “La Superficie Introvabile” / “The Unfindable Surface”. This celebration of 2024 Italian Contemporary Art Day features the works of Anna Romanello and Mario Martinelli, two artists who explore symbols, history, and the passage of time. Both artists masterfully layer materials and play with transparency to create immersive, timeless pieces that transcend traditional artistic boundaries. Exhibition continues until November 13, 2024. Presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto, and Heritage Calabria.

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The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues every Wednesday at Villa Charities this fall. Join us for these popular social dancing nights featuring live music by DJs Fortunato Gratta, Sam Severino and Gianni Mignardi! Join us Wednesdays, October 16 to December 11, at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a live musical performance by the returning crowd favourites Columbus Concert Band! This award-winning ensemble under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro will perform a selection of great music, guaranteed to entertain. Presented in partnership with Columbus Concert Band on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30pm.

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Don’t miss our celebration of local, sustainable food with Slow Food Toronto’s Farm to Table Dinner on Friday, November 8 at 6:00pm. This event showcases the best of the region’s seasonal produce and artisanal craftsmanship, offering a menu that highlights the values of ethical sourcing and community-supported agriculture. Menu curated by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano. Presented in partnership with Slow Food Toronto and Ristorante Boccaccio. $10.00 from each ticket will be donated to the Villa Charities Arts, Youth and Culture Department.

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Join us for our next ‘festa’ community event on Wednesday, November 13 to enjoy complimentary chestnuts* in celebration of San Martino, courtesy of ICBSAC and Villa Charities. The evening coincides with our popular Ballo Liscio nights, with social dancing and DJ Gianni Mignardi.

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This landmark collection of thirteen plays plus a previously unpublished translation, by playwrights including Lucia Frangione, Tony Nardi, Nick Mancuso, Dina Morrone and the late Michael Macina, aims to displace critical misconceptions about Italian Canadian theatre. Join us for the book launch on Monday, November 18, 7:00pm, followed by a meet-and-greet reception.

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Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next available Friday Chats are tomorrow, Friday, October 11 or Friday, November 8.

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 us as we celebrate our volunteers who dedicate themselves to Villa Charities. On Friday, October 25, 2024, the 2024 Heart & Hand Awards will be presented to a total of 13 volunteers and partners in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the Villa Charities group of companies. Seven awards will be presented to volunteers and six awards will be presented to corporate partners who have demonstrated their ongoing support for Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through programs and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. To learn more about the event or to purchase a ticket, please visit villacharities.com/heart&handawards.

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DanzArts Toronto’s Intermediate and Advanced Competitive dancers took centre stage at BMO Field, entertaining the spectators with a special performance at the Toronto Argonauts vs. Montreal Alouettes on Saturday, September 28. Watch the video highlights to see these amazing DanzArts students in action. DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2024/2025 dance season!

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Find your fit this fall! Unlock a healthier, stronger you with our group Premium Fitness Programs, led by our expert instructors. Register for two or more Premium Fitness Programs and receive ONE-MONTH FREE General Membership* for the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! For registration or more information, visit the Membership Office or email fitness@villacharities.com. Offer ends on Sunday, October 27. *Conditions apply.

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Experience the benefits of this specialty Arthritic Aqua Training program that assists participants ages 50+ with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis conditions. Incorporated in the class to assist with mobility, we make use of a specially designed Aquafit Step. The program helps relieve pain and stiffness while improving joint flexibility. Contact us by email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215.

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Our 10-week Artista Painting Workshop series is now underway, but limited spaces remain. Led by professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa, these classes are perfect for students who have a passion for painting and wish to further develop their oil and acrylic painting skills and techniques. Our Less Defined Landscape workshop runs for 10 weeks and inspires students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes.

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Make a splash this fall with a private pool party at Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Whether it's for a birthday, a social event, or just because, our pool rentals guarantee a fantastic time with friends and family. Our certified staff will keep the fun safe and worry-free. Email gungar@villacharities.com for booking details and prices!

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Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents their annual Christmas Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Thursday, November 28, 6:00pm in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Your $60 ticket includes a pizza, pasta, and salad dinner, coffee/tea and traditional Christmas treats, as well as three bingo games and dabber. Funds raised are for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. For tickets, please contact the VCTA Office at 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260 or email vcla@villacolombo.on.ca.

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In 1983, Luciano Pavarotti conducted two concerts in support of visually impaired Italian Canadians and the group was named Avanti group. Since 1985, the group has been meeting every Monday at the Columbus Centre, between 9:00am and 3:00pm, and have been privileged to have been granted access to most of the Columbus Centre's health facilities. The Avanti Group is happy to extend an invitation to all visually impaired Italian Canadians to join this support group. Membership is FREE!

If you know anyone who would benefit from membership in the Avanti Visually Impaired Group, please contact Rosa Malfara: 416-428-4146 or Lou Santonato: 416-747-0897

Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, November 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Meet with a member of our administrative team to learn more about our Casa Montessori and Italian Immersion Preschools, our Lower Elementary Montessori and our Upper Elementary programs while touring our newly renovated campus. We look forward to meeting you!

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A live creation and contest of talented painters, floral designers and photographers. Witness the magic as three groups of artists battle in a vibrant contest of talent and innovation. Experience the thrill of creativity in real-time as artists transform blank canvases, flowers and snapshots into breathtaking masterpieces and compete for the top prizes! Thursday, November 14, 6:30pm at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, with light refreshments, music and cash bar. Tickets $20. To compete as an artist, floral designer or photographer, please contact Aurora at friendsinart3@gmail.com.

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