Villa Charities is the proud Venue Sponsor of “Frank Moyo Live at the Columbus Centre”, presented by TLN Media Group, TODAY at 2:00 to 3:30pm. This special FREE March Break event features music, an interactive sing-along, and a live reading of Frank Moyo’s heartwarming children’s book "Nonna", followed by a meet and greet with book signing. Bring the kids—and Nonna too!

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On Thursday, March 5, Mary Pompili, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Villa Charities, was recognized as a 2026 Women in Leadership Champion by the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Toronto (CIBPA). This recognition honours women who change policies, shape strategy, and open doors for the next generation. The annual Women in Leadership event celebrates leaders across the Italian Canadian business and professional community.

Congratulations to Mary on this well-deserved recognition. We also congratulate all of the 2026 Women in Leadership Champions.

Learn Italian with classes at the Columbus Centre! We offer private lessons for adults as well as the Italian Immersion Toddler Program presented in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. Adults can build confidence in the language through customized, one-on-one lessons developed in collaboration with instructors and tailored to individual interests, goals, and learning pace. For toddlers ages 1 to 3, the Toddler Program introduces Italian language and culture through play, songs, and engaging activities, led by an experienced instructor.

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Be among the first to explore “Everything Must Go” at the Opening Reception on Thursday, April 2 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Curated by the WARD 9 collective, this group exhibition transforms the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery into a nostalgic retail-inspired environment, with artworks unfolding through fragmented vignettes and themed “departments” inspired by the aesthetics of shopping malls and department stores. Through these installations, “Everything Must Go” invites viewers to reflect on how the decline of mall culture has reshaped modern social life and our relationship with public space. The exhibition runs from April 2 to

May 14, 2026.

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Hear about the experiences of the Julian-Dalmatian immigrant community on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30pm through “The Other Half of the Apple: Conversations with Julian-Dalmatian Immigrants in Canada, the USA, and Italy”, a book by Rosanna Turcinovich Giuricin. The evening will feature a presentation by Professor Konrad Eisenbichler, who translated the work into English, along with remarks from Daniela Chiasson, President of the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto. A Q&A will follow, with book copies available for purchase while supplies last. Presented in partnership with the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto.

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The wine from our autumn grape pressing is ready for tasting! Join us on Wednesday, April 8 from 6:00 to 6:30pm for this free community wine tasting event, held alongside our popular Ballo Liscio evening. Sample the latest vintage produced during last year’s traditional grape pressing demonstration while enjoying live music by DJ Bruno Nesci and complimentary cake, courtesy of Villa Charities.*

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

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Enjoy an evening of live music on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30pm with the Columbus Concert Band, the Columbus Jazz Band, and special guest soprano Taylor Frisina. Under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro, “Sounds of Spring” will present a lively program of band classics featuring selections from "West Side Story," music by The Beatles, and works by Giuseppe Verdi. Experience this delightful and uplifting musical evening, perfect for audiences of all ages, sure to brighten your spring! Presented in partnership with Columbus Concert Band.

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Experience the powerful immigrant story behind “Neapolitan Ice Cream: The Musical” on Friday, April 17 at 7:30pm. This two-person jukebox musical blends soaring soprano, live guitar, and beloved Italian classics to tell the story of Caterina, a young woman whose journey unfolds through music and narration. Audiences travel from the sun-washed streets of Naples to the storm-tossed Atlantic as her courage, longing, and heartbreak resonate across generations. Themes of immigration, love, resilience, and reinvention shape a story that is both deeply personal and universally familiar. Presented in partnership with Loreworks Ltd.

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Connect with the richness of stories—both the ones we’ve lived and the ones we’ve heard—in “Cantastorie: A Storytelling Workshop” on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30pm. Guided by Toronto-based storyteller Mariella Bertelli, participants will explore the narratives that shape who we are by sharing anecdotes, ditties, proverbs, memories, poems, and more. The session also reflects on the power of narrative, the role of language, and how memory informs the stories we choose to tell. This intimate workshop is interactive and participatory, welcoming anyone curious about discovering or deepening their voice as a storyteller.

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Join us on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00pm for a presentation by Prof. Alberto Zambenedetti exploring Italian filmmaker Francesco Pasinetti’s unpublished and unrealized projects featured in the new critical edition “Francesco Pasinetti: Soggetti e Sceneggiature” (Scenarios and Screenplays). Edited by Zambenedetti, this collection brings together preserved previously unpublished scenarios, screenplays, and film projects. The evening includes a screening of Pasinetti’s short documentary “Venezia Minore” (1942) followed by a Q&A and light refreshments. Presented in partnership with the University of Toronto Department of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese & Latin American Studies.

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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 meeting will be held on Friday, April 3. 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.

Book Your Meeting

Time is running out to join one of the most exciting cycling events of the year. The 19^th Annual Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser, presented by LiUNA OPDC, returns to the Veneto Centre on Sunday, May 24. More than a community ride, Giro is a vital fundraiser supporting Villa Charities Foundation programs and services that enrich lives and honour Italian culture and heritage. Proceeds support initiatives such as senior care, youth programs, and cultural programming. Ride through Vaughan and surrounding areas with 25km, 60km, and 100km routes for all experience levels.

Register before March 31 to save 50% — that’s a $50 savings! Spots are filling quickly.

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Spring into fitness at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club with our Premium Fitness Programs. These specialty classes, led by certified instructors, go beyond our membership-inclusive Group Fitness Programs and give you the opportunity to challenge yourself, build new skills, and try something new. Choose from a variety of programs including Mindful Meditation, Non-Contact Boxing, TRX^®, Pilates, our new Jiu Jitsu class, and more. Open to both Members and Non-Members, registration for spring term classes opens Tuesday, March 24 at 9:00am.

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Explore new approaches to painting in our Less Defined Landscape Painting Workshop led by artist Sam Paonessa. Integrating both landscape and abstract techniques, this workshop encourages participants to interpret and simplify references while experimenting with imaginative colour palettes. The program runs from April 8 to June 24 at the Columbus Centre. Plus, register before April 1and you’ll receive a 5% discount!

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Stay active with Aquafit classes and swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Our group swimming lessons, guided by certified instructors, provide a safe and supportive environment for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Registration for spring swimming lessons opens Saturday, March 28 at 9:00am, in person at the Membership Office. Aquafit classes offer a low-impact way to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness in our indoor pool. Registration is now open, with spring term classes beginning the week of April 6.

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Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or building on your skills, the Columbus Centre School of Music offers private lessons for every level. Our experienced instructors teach a wide range of instruments and styles, helping students explore their musical interests and develop their abilities. Lessons are available both in-person and online. Register now for spring term classes beginning April 6, 2026.

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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 summer 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, and more, there’s something for every interest. Camps run from June 29 to August 28.

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Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents their Spring Bingo fundraising event on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00pm at Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets are only $60.00 and include a buffet dinner, dessert, as well as three bingo games and dabber! Additional cards are available for $5.00 each. Funds raised are for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets must be purchased by April 2 via e-transfer to vcla@villacolombo.on.ca or call 416-789-2113, ext. 2260 to pay by credit card.

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As the first signs of spring arrive, residents at Villa Colombo Vaughan continue to enjoy seasonal activities and special moments together. On March 6, the community marked International Oreo Cookie Day with a sweet treat as Oreo Cakesters were served in the activity room, bringing smiles and conversation. International Women’s Day was also celebrated on March 8 with live entertainment and a thoughtful gesture, as each female resident received a daisy in recognition of the occasion. Several spring planting programs have begun, helping prepare the gardens for the new season. March is also a meaningful time in the spiritual calendar as the community observes the Lenten season. Residents are invited to attend Stations of the Cross every Friday in the Chapel.

Are you looking to expand your professional horizons and build stronger connections with the Italian market? ICCO Canada, in collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Toronto, is proud to present a practical Business Italian language classes designed specifically for professionals. Whether you are a complete beginner or wish to refine your workplace communication skills, this program will equip you with the tools to interact confidently in professional settings. For more information and to make your payment, click on the link below.

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