Recreational Drop-in Dance Classes with DanzArts Toronto

September 22 – 27

Try something new with free drop-in dance classes for children (ages 2.5+) and adults. From Tiny Tots to Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Acro, these recreational classes nurture creativity and provide a fun, rewarding experience for all skill levels. Advance registration is required.

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“On New Ground”: Giuseppe Mercurio Toronto Retrospective

On now through September 29

Explore the artistic journey of Giuseppe Mercurio, a significant representative of Canada’s Italian artistic diaspora. Spanning thirty years of work, this retrospective features symbolic black-and-white photography and bold, experimental canvases that reflect Mercurio’s evolving techniques and vision.

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Villa Colombo Seniors Art Show

Saturday, October 4

Discover artworks created by the seniors group at Villa Colombo Toronto. Led by local artists, this collection of acrylic and oil paintings will be on display and available for purchase.

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Tarantelle d’Italia -

Ballo Liscio Social Dancing

Wednesday, October 8

Enjoy the Tarantella, a folk dance from various regions of Italy in this Ontario Culture Days edition of our Ballo Liscio social dancing nights! Led by expert dance instructors, you’ll discover the music and dance of the Tarantelle d’Italia and enjoy entertainment by Fortunato Gratta.

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Villa Charities is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Young Artist Grant, a biannual fund established to support emerging artists in literature, music, and film. A total of $15,000 will be awarded to three projects by artists between 18 and 30 who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The grant provides financial support to artists who are either of Italian heritage or developing works inspired by and reflecting Italian culture. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 26, 2025, at 5:00pm EDT.

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Author Marlene Giuliano tells the story behind her new book “The Devil in His Big Blue Eyes” on Friday, September 12 at 7:00pm. Hear the remarkable account of her family’s struggles and triumphs. After her teenage son, facing bullying and isolation, made an online pact with the devil, Marlene turned to faith, church support, and resilience to guide his recovery. Join us for this free book launch that shares a moving story of courage and hope.

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The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio returns to the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery this fall. Join us on Wednesdays, from September 17 to December 10* at 6:30pm for an evening of social dancing with music by popular Italian DJs and musicians. No matter your experience level, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community on the dance floor. *No Ballo Liscio on October 1.

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Join acclaimed poet, singer-songwriter, and educator Joseph Maviglia for an evening of poetry and music on Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30pm. Through readings from “A God Hangs Upside Down” and performances from his music collections, Joseph reflects on his journey from rural southern Italy to urban Canada. Renowned for his energized performances, he blends music, poetry, and essays drawing from a career spanning decades and international tours. The performance will be followed by an audience Q&A.

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Step into the Italian harvest season at our Grape Pressing Festival on Sunday, October 5 from 11:00am to 1:30pm in the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard. Watch a live demonstration of fresh grapes being pressed into barrels to begin the winemaking process, enjoy music by Fortunato Gratta, and sample light refreshments courtesy of Villa Charities. Tickets are $5.00.

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Celebrate the spirit of autumn with the award-winning Columbus Concert Band on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30pm. Under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro, the ensemble will perform Italian favourites, jazz standards, concert band classics, and selections from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Experience this delightful and uplifting musical evening, perfect for all ages!

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Book your Friday Chats with Marco! 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, October 3. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am or 2:00pm, 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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Join the Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee for its inaugural launch event, ‘Sicily in September’, on Friday, September 19, at NODO Liberty in Toronto. This lively mixer invites young Italian Canadians and community supporters to connect, socialize, and network in an atmosphere inspired by the warmth and charm of Sicily. Enjoy gourmet appetizers, sip refreshing drinks, and indulge in decadent desserts—all while celebrating culture and connection. Each ticket includes light refreshments and 2 drink tickets. Your attendance directly supports Villa Charities' mission and helps preserve the heritage that shapes our community.

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Villa Charities will host the 2025 Heart & Hand Awards on Friday, November 7 to celebrate and recognize our volunteers. The exclusive Heart & Hand Awards remains the premier volunteer recognition across the Villa Charities family. Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available, with full details on our website. We hope you will join us for this special celebration and support us in making this a truly memorable evening.

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Our 11-week Artista Painting Workshop series begins on Tuesday, October 7, led by professional artist and award-winning instructor Sam Paonessa. These classes are ideal for students who want to refine their oil and acrylic painting skills and techniques. The Less Defined Landscape workshop runs for 11 weeks beginning Wednesday, October 8, inspiring students to explore abstract approaches to landscapes through creativity and imagination.

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DanzArts Toronto offers professional-level training for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Spaces are still available for our 2025/2026 Dance Season! See our 2025/2026 Recreational Schedule or contact us for more information. If you're interested in auditioning for our Competitive Team for the 2025/2026 season, contact us to learn more about the audition process and requirements. Don’t miss your chance to dance with us this season!

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There's still time to save on personal training at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Get up to 30% off* eight 1-hour private sessions with a Certified Personal Trainer, including InBody assessments and a full body composition review. Take advantage of these limited-time savings before Monday, September 15.

*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

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Stay active with Aquafit classes and group swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Certified instructors lead low-impact workouts and skill-building lessons for all ages in our large indoor pool. Aquafit registration is open now with classes starting the week of October 6. Swimming lesson registration opens Saturday, September 13 at 9:00am, with lessons beginning the week of September 22.

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Discover our newest Premium Fitness Program at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Foundations Pilates is a gentle, supportive class for beginners and those returning to movement after a break. With a focus on breath, posture, and ease of motion, each session introduces the basics with accessible exercises to build strength safely. Registration is open now, with classes starting Thursday, September 18, 2025. Open to Members and Non-Members.

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Try something new this fall with Premium Fitness Programs at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Sign up for two or more programs and receive a FREE one-month General Membership.* Registration is now open for TRX^®, Non-Contact Boxing, Judo, Yoga, Pilates, Pickleball, Squash, and more. Open to Members and Non-Members. This limited-time offer is available until Sunday, September 21, 2025.

*Conditions apply. See website for full details.

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Build strength and confidence this fall with Non-Contact Boxing at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Designed for children (ages 8–12) and adults, these classes are led by national champion Viktoria Penney and focus on fitness, discipline, and boxing fundamentals through shadowboxing, bag work, and drills. Registration is now open, with classes starting Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

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Find time for yourself with Wellness Services at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Whether you choose Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, or Modern Cupping, each option is designed to relieve stress and support recovery. Open to Members and Non-Members. Book your appointment or purchase a gift certificate today.

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Make a splash this fall with a private pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Whether it’s for a birthday, family gathering, or special occasion, our pool rentals provide a fun and memorable experience for all ages. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and full details.

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Join the Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) for a Paint & Sip fundraising event on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00pm. Tickets are $75 and include canvas, paint, brushes, two hours of guided painting instruction by a professional artist, a glass of wine, buffet dinner, coffee, tea, and dessert. Funds raised will support the residents of Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, September 25, 2025. To reserve, e-transfer vcla@villacolombo.on.ca or call 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260.

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September is off to a joyful start at Villa Colombo Vaughan with warmth and meaningful moments as we welcome the fall season. Residents enjoyed a special Apple Pie Social, sharing freshly baked pie and conversation in celebration of seasonal traditions. An outing to Nino D’Versa Bakery offered coffee, sweet treats, and community connection, while the monthly Drum Circle with Vaughan Public Libraries continued to be a resident favourite. We also marked National Grandparents’ Day with heartfelt letters, pictures, and drawings from families — a touching reminder of the love that surrounds our home.