"What's Trending" Newsletter

September 2026 Vol. 2

Experience Ontario Culture Days at Villa Charities

Ontario Culture Days at Villa Charities

BEGINS THIS WEEK!

Villa Charities celebrates arts and culture with free exhibitions, drop-ins, and programs during Ontario Culture Days, an annual celebration of culture and heritage taking place September 18 to October 4, 2026.

 

As an Official Festival Hub, Villa Charities will showcase multidisciplinary programs during Ontario Culture Days that invite the public to participate in hands-on and behind-the-scenes activities. Enjoy our FREE events and experience community connections through the power of arts and culture.

 

Here are just a few of the programs we have planned:

Instrument Petting Zoo

September 19

Join us for the Instrument Petting Zoo where you can try a variety of instruments, learn from talented instructors, and discover the joy of making music. All participants will also receive 10% off music lessons at the Columbus Centre School of Music as part of Culture Days.

 

Register Now

PescAmare

“PescAmare” Documentary Screening

September 21

Experience the acclaimed Italian documentary “PescAmare, exploring the lives, traditions, and challenges of Italian fishermen. Through stories of life at sea, family, community, and changing coastal towns, the film celebrates the resilience and enduring traditions that continue to shape generations. Screened in Italian with English subtitles.

 

Register Now

Bluegrass Music Workshop and Concert

Bluegrass Music Workshop and Concert

September 24

Discover the rich history and distinctive sounds of bluegrass music in an engaging exploration of its Appalachian roots and diverse influences. Join Dr. Giulio Leghissa for an evening of storytelling, discussion, and live performance, featuring traditional bluegrass tunes on guitar and banjo alongside Toronto singer-songwriter Les Armstrong.

 

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Movement, Music and Wellness

Movement, Music and Wellness Fitness Workshop

September 29

Move, connect, and celebrate wellness with an inclusive fitness workshop for adults aged 65+. Enjoy gentle exercises, light strength and mobility activities, balance work, Italian music, and a fun group challenge—all adaptable to different comfort and mobility levels. No previous fitness experience is required, and participants can stay afterward to relax, socialize, and connect with others.

 

Register Now

Other Culture Day Events

Immigrant Tribute Plaque

Villa Charities

“Altered States: Photography Transformed” Exhibition Tour with Curator Flavio Belli

There’s still time to join us this evening for an exclusive curator-led tour of “Altered States: Photography Transformed” at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Hosted by curator Flavio Belli, this special tour offers an opportunity to explore the exhibition from a deeper perspective and learn more about the artists and creative approaches behind the works. Tours at 5:00pm and 6:30pm.

                       

Register Now


Don’t miss your chance to view this exhibition before it closes, Friday, September 25, 2026!

NEW! Full Day Italian Enriched Toddler Program

Our new full-day Enriched Toddler Program for children ages 18 to 36 months, offered in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy supports early development through hands-on activities that encourage independence, confidence, and language, motor, and social skills. Children will also be introduced to Italian language and culture through songs, stories, and daily conversation. Runs from September to June and limited spaces are available.


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Festa della Ciambella Verolana

Celebrate Festa delle Ciambelle

Celebrate the flavours and traditions of Veroli, Italy, at our annual Festa delle Ciambelle on Sunday, September 20, from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Discover the tradition of ciambelle, a beloved anise-flavoured bread from Italy’s Lazio region, through a special live demonstration by the Veroli Cultural Society. The celebration will also feature musical entertainment by Gianni Mignardi, as well as wine, biscotti, and light refreshments. Join us for an afternoon that brings Italian heritage, food, music, and community together!


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St. Francis and Giotto: Pioneers of a New Culture

On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ passing, Villa Charities, in partnership with La Società Italiana di Cultura, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Toronto and the Dante Alighieri Society of Toronto is presenting a lecture on St. Francis and Giotto by visiting Prof. Enrico Sciamanna. The lecture, in Italian, is free to the community. Thursday, October 1 at 7:00pm.


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Tentacles and Branches

Discovering Nature in a Technological World 

In the exhibition “Tentacles and Branches: Mystical Intersections of the Wild and Wired,” artist Mimmo Baronello explores the relationship between nature and the digital age. Through a series of richly detailed, baroque paintings, the exhibition considers how these two worlds can overlap, creating a relationship that is at once productive, uneasy, and constantly evolving. This thought-provoking exhibition opens Friday, October 2 at 7:00pm and runs through Wednesday, October 28, 2026.


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Experience the Italian Tradition of Grape Pressing

Join us on Sunday, October 4 from 11:00am to 1:30pm for this outdoor community event and experience the Italian tradition of grape pressing with a live demonstration. Learn how fresh grapes are pressed into barrels to begin the winemaking process. Plus, enjoy light refreshments, musical entertainment and raffle prizes. Tickets are $10.00.


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CiorciaraCanadese

An Evening of Literature, Poetry and Storytelling 

Celebrate the launch of Gianna Patriarca’s new book, “Ciociara/?/Canadese”, on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30pm. Through readings, conversation, and reflection, and with an introduction by Professor Bruno Magliocchetti, Patriarca will explore themes of identity, memory, belonging, and Italian and Italian-Canadian experiences, drawing from both her new work and her acclaimed collection “Italian Women and Other Tragedies”.

 

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Tribute to George Gershwin - Anthony D’Alessandro

A Jazz Tribute to George Gershwin

Our popular ‘Jazz at the Columbus Centre’ concert series continues on Thursday, October 29 at 7:30pm, with an evening celebrating the timeless music of legendary composer George Gershwin. Pianist and composer Anthony D’Alessandro brings his signature swing and showmanship to beloved selections spanning jazz standards, musicals, and concert works. Joined by a stellar ensemble featuring Kevin Turcotte, Paul Novotny, and Daniel Barnes, D’Alessandro celebrates Gershwin’s enduring legacy.


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Marco DeVuono

Book Your One-on-One Meeting for 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 meetings will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026.  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

Villa Charities Foundation

An Evening With

Don’t Miss an Extraordinary Evening in Support of Villa Colombo Toronto

Join us on Thursday, October 15 at Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre for “An Evening with Raine Maida & Chantal Kreviazuk”, in support of Villa Colombo Toronto. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music while helping raise critical early-stage funding to support the renovation of Villa Colombo Toronto and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of long-term care. Be part of this special evening and help build a stronger future for Villa Colombo Toronto.


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Columbus Centre

DanzArts Toronto

Elevate your Dance Training with DanzArts Toronto

The 2026/2027 Dance Season is almost here, and there’s still time to join DanzArts Toronto! With classes for dancers of all ages, experience levels, and interests, DanzArts Toronto offers professional-level training in a welcoming and inspiring environment where dancers can learn, grow, and do what they love. Explore the 2026/2027 Recreational Schedule to find the perfect class for you or your dancer. Don’t miss your chance to dance with us this season!


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Art Programs

Get Creative this Fall with Art Workshops

Our 10-week Artista Painting Workshop series begins on Tuesday, October 6, led by professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa. These classes are ideal for students who want to further develop their oil and acrylic painting skills and techniques. The Less Defined Landscape Painting Workshop begins Wednesday, October 7, encouraging students to explore landscapes through abstract approaches, unconventional techniques and colour palettes, while inspiring creativity and imagination.


Register Now

Fall Swimming Registration Opens September 19

Make a splash this fall with Group Swimming lessons for children and adults, with programs designed for a range of ages and skill levels. Looking to build your swimming skills or take the next step? Bronze Medallion, Basic First Aid, and Bronze Cross courses are also available. Programs run for 8 weeks, with lessons beginning the week of October 5. Register in person at the Membership Office starting September 19 at 9:00am!

 

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Make Judo Part of Your Fitness Routine

There’s still time to register for Judo, part of our selection of Premium Fitness Classes for children, teens, and adults. Rooted in the principles of balance, technique, and control, Judo offers participants the opportunity to develop physical fitness, coordination, and practical self-defence skills in a structured setting. Classes are currently underway and continue through the week of November 25. Registration is open to both Members and Non-Members.



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Build a Strong Foundation with Pilates

Foundations Pilates offers a supportive introduction to the essentials, with an emphasis on breath, posture, alignment, and controlled movement. Accessible exercises help participants develop core strength, improve stability, and move with greater confidence—no prior experience or flexibility required. Classes run through November 9, so there’s still time to join and build a strong foundation for a regular movement practice. Registration is open to both Members and Non-Members.


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Water Mobility Training

There’s Still Time to Discover Aquafit this Fall!

Stay active and build strength with Aquafit classes at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Designed as low-impact workouts, these classes help improve muscular strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness while being easy on the joints. Choose from Water Mobility Training, Arthritic Aqua Training, and General Aquafit classes — there’s an option to suit a variety of fitness and mobility needs.



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Relax, Restore, and Feel Your Best

Treat yourself to Wellness Services at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, available to both Members and Non-Members. Choose from Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, or Modern Cupping Therapy—each designed to ease stress, support recovery, and help you feel renewed. Book your appointment today or give the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate.


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Villa Colombo Vaughan

VCV - September 2026

Celebrating Community this September at Villa Colombo Vaughan

September brought opportunities to celebrate the vibrant community at Villa Colombo Vaughan. On September 13 we held a BBQ to celebrate National Grandparents’ Day. Residents and staff came together to recognize Resident Council Week on September 16, celebrating the important role the Resident Council plays in sharing residents’ voices, ideas, and contributions. We also celebrated the successful harvest from our vegetable garden! After a summer of nurturing and tending to the garden, residents and staff enjoyed an abundance of fresh vegetables and the rewards of their hard work. We look forward to sharing many more special moments with our residents and families throughout the month.

Our Mission:

Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.


Our Vision:

Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.


Villa Charities Inc.
901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3

416-789-7011 • info@villacharities.comvillacharities.com

Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001


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