The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues at Villa Charities! Join us for a free evening of music, dancing, and community, featuring popular Italian DJs and musicians. Whether you bring a partner, friends, or come solo, you’ll love the lively atmosphere. Our next event is Wednesday, March 19, at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with the ICBSAC and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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Introduce your child to Italian language and culture through play, songs, and engaging activities! Designed for children aged 1 to 3, the 10-week Italian Immersive Toddler Program is led by an experienced Italian instructor and offers a fun, interactive learning experience. Sessions run the week of March 24 to May 26, 2025, on Wednesdays and/or Fridays, 9:00 – 10:00am, at the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in the Columbus Centre. A parent or guardian must attend. Visit the LDVA website or email admissions@ldva.on.ca for more information or to sign up! Presented in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. 

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Join Chef Luciano Schipano for our immersive Taste of Italy pasta-making series at Boccaccio Ristorante. Explore the region of Campania and coastal flavours of the Amalfi Coast as you prepare scialatielli, a thick and rustic pasta. The session includes a tasting of Scialatielli con Pomodori e Basilico, featuring a fresh tomato and basil sauce made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Participants will take home fresh scialatielli and a printed sauce recipe. Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30pm.

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We’re pleased to announce that the “ORIGIN – Paintings of scale and ambition” exhibition of large-scale work by Kyle Bennett, Cheryl HJ Lee, Jan Wheeler, and Majid Zeraati has been extended to Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Don’t miss your chance to experience these impressive works of art that remind us that great paintings are not just seen; they are experienced. 

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The Daniel Barnes Quartet returns to the Columbus Centre for a special performance on Thursday, March 27, at 7:30pm. This renowned ensemble features JUNO Award-winning bandleaders and recording artists, including drummer Daniel Barnes, pianist Brian Dickinson, bassist Paul Novotny, and saxophonist Richard Underhill. Don’t miss the chance to experience an evening of live jazz performed by some of Canada’s finest musicians!

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Experience the timeless flavours of Italy’s capital at our Taste of Italy dinner series! Journey to the heart of Italy with a four-course dinner that embodies the timeless charm of Roman cuisine. Drawing from simple yet refined traditions, this event captures the rich history and culinary elegance of Rome. Each dish reflects the city’s deep connection to heritage, regional ingredients, and authentic flavours. Friday, March 28 at 6:00pm. Menu curated by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano and presented in partnership with Boccaccio Ristorante Italiano. Reserve your seats today!

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Experience the “Guide to the Essential Italy” lecture series with Dr. Kenneth Bartlett, presented by Centro Scuola. On April 1 and April 15, 2025, take a visually stunning tour through Rome, Florence, and Venice, with side trips to Pompeii and Perugia. Visit important monuments, witness artistic masterpieces, and immerse yourself in Italian culture. Villa Charities is proud to be the Venue Sponsor for this series.

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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 meetings will be held on Friday, April 4. 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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Are you a member of an Italian Social Club in the GTA? Villa Charities wants to connect with active social clubs to update our records, explore ways to work together, and support your club. We can also provide information about our event spaces if you're looking for a venue for your next gathering. To get in touch, contact Giulio Recchioni, Executive Director, Cultural Programming at grecchioni@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011, ext. 218, or you can complete our online form here.

In this feature we are proud to shine a light on the members of the Villa Charities Board of Directors. These dedicated volunteers generously give their time, expertise, and passion to guide our organization and support the communities we serve. Learn more about the inspiring individuals who help make our work possible.

Mauro Pambianco

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

Mauro brings extensive senior financial, operational and growth leadership experience, along with a curiosity and appreciation for people’s perspective, and a passion for tackling complex challenges and fostering success. After attaining a CPA, CA designation while with the real estate and construction team of what is now PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Mauro has spent over 25 years in various COO, CFO and similar roles with accounting, law, real estate, healthcare and marketing communications firms ranging from mid to large size, both for- and not-for-profit. He enjoys translating challenges and desires into direction, and aligning strategy, motivators and action to drive results.

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Have you heard? Everyone who purchases a Villa Charities Immigrant Tribute plaque by April 15, 2025, will be automatically entered into a contest for a chance to win a 3-day prize package for the Formula 1^® 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, valued at approximately $3,500. This VIP package includes two 3-day passes located in Grandstand 15. You’ll also receive a gift card with $2,000 in spending money, so you can enjoy your memorable Montreal weekend in style.

Increase your chances of winning with each additional plaque purchased during the promotional period counted as an additional bonus entry! Current donors who have already purchased a Tribute plaque will be automatically entered. For more information, please see the Contest Rules and Regulations. 

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Join us on Sunday, May 25^th for the

Villa Charities 18th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC. This is a fun community ride through Vaughan and surrounding area that brings together cycling enthusiasts with route options for every skill level. Giro 2025 will feature new routes which are sure to please every level of cyclist.

Don’t miss your last chance to sign up for Giro with 50% off registration*

(a savings of $50), from now until

March 31^st.

* Mandatory fundraising minimum of $300 per rider.

Register Now

Casa Del Zotto Child Care Centre recently moved into to our new facilities at Regina Mundi Catholic School on Playfair Ave. At this new location we are now providing child care to approximately 130 children, ranging from infants school-age.

This summer, older campers can expand their skills with our new Leader in Training (LIT) program! Designed for ages 12–13, this program allows past campers and other potential mentors to attend camp at a reduced rate while stepping into a leadership role under the supervision of our head counsellors and specialist instructors. LITs will work with their chosen group, help facilitate activities and gain valuable hands-on experience—all while having fun. Summer Camp at the Columbus Centre runs from June 30 to August 22, 2025.

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Registration is now open for our spring art programs, led by multi-award-winning artist and instructor Sam Paonessa. The Artista Painting Workshop runs Tuesdays, April 8 – June 3, offering expert guidance for those looking to refine their painting skills. The Less Defined Landscape Workshop runs Wednesdays, April 9 – June 4, encouraging creativity through a mix of landscape and abstract painting techniques.

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Register now for the 2025 spring term at Columbus Centre School of Music, with classes beginning Monday, March 31 for 12 weeks. We offer a wide variety of music lessons open to all skill levels. Our one-on-one private lessons in vocals, guitar, piano, violin, flute, clarinet, drums, and more are taught by our highly skilled professional instructors.

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This spring, make the Columbus Centre Athletic Club your destination for health and fitness. Registration is now open for our spring term Premium Fitness Programs, including Pickleball, Squash, TRX^®, Non-Contact Boxing, Judo, Pilates and Women’s Self-Defence, and more. With expert guidance from our certified instructors, you’ll learn proper techniques for a safe, effective, and engaging workout. Stay active, build strength, and challenge yourself this season. Not a Member? No problem – these Premium Programs are all available to Non-Members as well. You can sign up for these classes online or in person without the commitment of a membership.

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The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a selection of low-impact Aquafit classes designed to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness. Classes include Deep End Aquafit and Arthritic Aqua Training. Online registration is now open for Members and Non-Members or visit the Membership Office. Classes begin the week of April 14, 2025.

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Outdoor tennis & pickleball season is just around the corner! Our three outdoor courts are in high demand, so mark your calendar to get your Outdoor Court Membership and be match-ready when our season opens on Monday, April 1, 2025. Registration for Outdoor Court Memberships opens Monday, March 17, 2025, at 9:00am, for Members and

Non-Members.

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Make a splash this spring with swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre! The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers programs for all ages and skill levels through The Lifesaving Society Program. Registration opens Saturday, March 22 at 9:00am in the Membership Office, and lessons begin the week of March 31, 2025.

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Make a splash this spring 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. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and complete details.

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Treat yourself to a session with our Registered Massage Therapists and experience the health and wellness benefits of therapeutic treatment. We offer Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, and Modern Cupping Therapy to help you relax, restore, and feel your best. Book your session today or give the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate!

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Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents a Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Thursday, April 3 at 6:00pm at Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets are only $60 and include a pasta and salad dinner, coffee, tea, and 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 e-transfer vcla@villacolombo.on.ca (use SPRING2025 as Password).

At Villa Colombo Vaughan, February was a month of sharing love and celebrating the camaraderie of family and community! On February 14, staff, residents, families, and volunteers wore red, pink and hearts to mark the occasion. Couples at Villa Colombo Vaughan enjoyed a romantic Sweethearts Lunch, featuring a "Love is in the Air" menu, sparkling (non-alcoholic) wine, Valentine’s décor, and romantic music. The day ended with an afternoon of live Italian music in Piazza Di Gasperis for the VCV community. Thank to you the staff for their ongoing care of our residents and families!