Learn How to Cook
Authentic Italian Dishes at Villa Cucina!
Our Villa Cucina cooking class series has returned with online classes, so you can experience authentic Italian dishes with professional Chef, Luciano Schipano from the comfort of home. Chef Schipano and his team will discuss select dishes in detail and provide step-by-step demonstrations. Participants will learn hands-on cooking techniques, how to best use essential ingredients and foolproof recipes to recreate for family and friends.

Don’t miss our February line-up of classes!

World Nutella Day: Free Virtual Party
Saturday, February 5 at 12:00pm
 
To celebrate World Nutella Day, join Chef Luciano Schipano for a fun and virtual cooking class and Saturday brunch celebrating the most famous hazelnut spread in the world. If you’re Italian, we’re sure you have enjoyed some “pane e Nutella” or Nutella spread on bread many times.

Chef Luciano will showcase on Zoom how to prepare his favourite version of “Negroni alla Nutella” and will cook “spaghetti alla carbonara” live with a twist to finish with a classic Nutella dessert: crepes.

So get ready with your jar of Nutella, and Happy World Nutella Day everyone!


Kids Cooking Class: Carrot & Bran Muffins
Wednesday, February 9 at 5:30pm

This cooking class is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the magic of cooking. A class that focuses on health, safety, and above all, fun. During this live and interactive virtual cooking class with Chef Luciano, your children will learn how to make delicious and healthy Carrot and Bran Muffins with Raisins.

Children will be introduced to kitchen basics like cleanliness and safety, and they’ll become familiar with dozens of cooking terms and procedures. In the end, they will emerge with a new respect for and fascination with the process of food preparation. We will give you the option to join the virtual class with or without a “food box” of ingredients that will be used during the class. 


Risotto with Zucchini and Shrimp
Wednesday, February 16 at 5:30pm

Learn the secrets to preparing authentic Italian risotto with Chef Luciano Schipano. You will learn how to choose the proper pan, along with the type of rice or grain. You will also learn how to incorporate the right amount of liquid into risotto, how to test the risotto for doneness and how to finish a basic risotto.

Our virtual class includes a “food box” of ingredients that will be used during the class.


Meatballs 101: Veal vs Ricotta
Wednesday, February 23 at 5:30pm   

Meatballs are one of those dishes that accompany the life of an Italian from childhood to adulthood. In fact, many Italians would say that it was their grandmother who created the recipe for meatballs. Depending on the city and the region, there are different kinds of meatballs, and you can find meatballs for every taste!

Chef Luciano Schipano will show you how to make his favourite meatball dishes according to his Nonna’s recipe, so you can enjoy these two hearty and traditional foods at the end of the class.

Our virtual class includes a “food box” of ingredients that will be used during the class.
Price (per class): 
$30.00 - Online only (participants will do their own grocery shopping)
$55.00 - Ingredients included: pick-up option. Delivery option available in the GTA for
             an additional $20.00

Once registered, a Culinarium Ambassador will contact you to confirm any add-ons (delivery and /or wine) and manage delivery or pick-up details. The food box serves 1-2 people; for 2+ people, we recommend ordering two or more boxes. The virtual class is sold individually, meaning that one purchased registration is intended for one single person (or a couple) who can join and actively participate in the class.       
Villa Charities
On-Site Operations for
Villa Charities and Columbus Centre Are Now Open at 50% Capacity
We’re thrilled that on-site programs and services at Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre have resumed this week, with the mandated capacity restrictions and other safety protocols in place. Patrons are reminded that proof of double vaccination is required to enter our on-site facilities. For full details, visit our COVID-19 Updates page.
Cultural Tuesdays: Explore the Life and Work of Italy’s Foremost Sculptor
This two-part live virtual lecture by
David Pantano on February 8 and 15 celebrates the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822), whose works are world-renowned. Presented through beautiful photographs, his best-known pieces of neoclassic art such as “Cupid and Psyche” and “The Three Graces” form the core of the lectures, which also include depictions of paintings, preparatory drawings and terracotta models.

Join us for February’s 
“Club del Libro” 
Book by Umberto Eco
Book your spot now for “Come Viaggiare con un Salmone/How to Travel with a Salmon & Other Essays” by Umberto Eco on Wednesday, February 23 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. Embark on literary adventures with extraordinary works
by acclaimed prize-winning authors.
“Travel Through Italy” Virtually with
Adele Addorisio
Are you in the mood for a virtual journey through Italy? Sign up today for our
“Travel Through Italy” online language workshops! Whether you are sharing
your Italian origins with your classmates or simply your love for the country, you will get to know lots of new Italian words, customs and friends! The next workshops are Monday, February 7 at 7:45pm for the Italian-speaking class and Tuesday, February 8 at 7:45pm for the English-speaking class.
Master the Italian Language Each Week with our “Art & Aperitivo” Workshops
Join us virtually, enjoy a drink, and
master the Italian language with our
“Art & Aperitivo” classes! This interactive workshop is an opportunity to talk about art in a relaxed environment while enjoying our favourite drink together.
We will discuss the most significant art news and events from around the world, using Italian magazines and newspapers. Workshops are every Thursday at 7:00pm – so why not join us tonight?
Book Your Spot Now for Cultural Tuesdays:
“The Creative Process”
You won’t want to miss this very special Cultural Tuesdays presentation – join us for “The Creative Process,” a behind-the-scenes look at dance choreography with DanzArts Toronto’s Artistic Director,
Tara Pillon. Tara and a group of advanced DanzArts Toronto dancers will create a live performance, followed by a Q & A with the artists. Register now for this on-site event in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery on Tuesday, February 22 at 7:00pm. 

“So I Married A Mangiacake” Tickets
Still Available
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.
Book Your Virtual
One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with the CEO
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. Upcoming Friday Chats are scheduled for Friday, February 11 and Friday, March 11. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call
416-789-7011 ext. 240 or

Villa Charities Foundation
Less Than Two Weeks Left for FREE 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 FREE registration (regular $100) now until February 15.

Columbus Centre
We Can’t Wait to Get You Fit with our Special Offer! 
Our Athletic Club has reopened, and we’ve got a special offer for new members! Join the Columbus Centre Athletic Club before February 15th 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 today with Promo Code CCAC2022
 
Virtual Group Fitness Classes and Training Continue at the
Columbus Centre
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club continues to offer Live Virtual Group Fitness classes. Our certified instructors are offering courses six days a week! Check out Wednesday morning’s class – Total Body Challenge. This total body workout targets all major muscle groups of the body and is best suited for experienced exercisers who are comfortable using a variety of equipment, however the instructor will provide alternative exercises for the novice participant. Monthly virtual membership fees are only $24.99 + HST and include access to our full fitness class video library. Need one-on-one instruction?
Try our Virtual Personal Training, available over Zoom. For more information,
visit our website and register today.
 
In-Person Music Classes Have Resumed at Columbus Centre
School of Music
There has never been a better time to
pick up a new musical skill! Our private
in-person music classes at the
Columbus Centre School of Music have resumed and we are offering a wide variety of lessons including vocals, guitar, piano, violin, clarinet, flute or drums. Virtual classes are still available with our professional instructors as well. For scheduling and availability, visit our website today!
 
Massage Therapy
Available at Columbus Centre Athletic Club
Columbus Centre Athletic Club is
offering in-person massage therapy by appointment only. Please call us today
at 416-789-7011 Ext. 268 to book your session and experience the health benefits of massage!
Try Your Hand at Landscape Painting in our New Workshops
Join us for our next Less Defined Landscape painting workshop with Sam Paonessa on Wednesday, February 9 at 12:30pm. Integrating both landscape and abstract, this workshop series will inspire students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes, while encouraging creativity and imagination. Classes have resumed on-site in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery with capacity restrictions.
 
Hone Your Painting Techniques with Sam Paonessa’s Masterclasses  
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. On Thursday, February 24 at 6:30pm in our “Mamma’s Marmellata” class, with a focus on edge quality, values and chromatic colour, students will learn the techniques of painting the reflective and transparent qualities of glass.
 
Our Artista Painting Workshop Lets You Express Your Artistic Skills
Register today for our winter 2022 painting workshops and start expressing your artistic skills. Suited for participants of all skill levels, our oil or acrylic Artista Painting Workshop with Sam Paonessa is for students who have a passion for painting and wish to further develop their skills. A variety of subject matter will be explored including urban and abstract landscapes, wildlife and still life. Classes run Tuesdays at 12:30pm have resumed on-site in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery with capacity restrictions.
 
Spaces Still Available for Recreational Dance Programs at DanzArts Toronto
There is still time to register for winter classes at DanzArts Toronto at the
Columbus Centre for dancers ages two and up! The Recreational program is designed to develop technical skills and foster artistic expression. Students may choose to enroll in one or several classes of any style including tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, musical theatre and more. Never miss the chance to dance!
Villa Colombo Toronto
We are Hiring - Join the Villa Colombo Toronto Team!
Are you a dedicated and passionate health care professional? We invite you to join our highly trained and dynamic team at Villa Colombo Toronto. Villa Colombo Toronto is a RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization and offers competitive compensation and benefits on par with hospital rates, HOOPP pension program and other benefits including access to cultural and fitness programs at the nearby Columbus Centre. We are now hiring for many positions including RNs, RPNs, PSWs and Recreational / Dietary Aides.
Message From a Valued Arts Partner
Drop by the Caffe Cinquecento Italian
Bar & Eatery 
Caffe Cinquecento Italian Bar & Eatery is open Monday to Saturday in the Columbus Centre for take-out and catering services. Enjoy our Hot Table, from 11am to 2:00pm daily. Our retail section is also open for your shopping needs.

Visit our website for more information and check out our catering menu.