Take a closer look at the creative vision of Italian filmmaker Francesco Pasinetti through unpublished and unrealized works brought to light on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00pm. These works are featured in the new critical edition “Francesco Pasinetti: Soggetti e Sceneggiature” (Scenarios and Screenplays), edited by Prof. Alberto Zambenedetti. 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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Hear powerful personal, family, and community-based stories that reflect the resilience and resourcefulness of the Italian immigrant spirit at the book launch of “Transformations: The Italian Canadian Experience” on Monday, April 27 at 7:00pm. Angelo Bolotta, project leader and editor, outlines how these stories now serve as a lasting historical record of the Italian immigrant experience, while also reflecting the values carried forward by first-generation Canadians.

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Honour the Italian Fallen Workers on April 28 at 3:00pm at a special gathering marking the 10^th anniversary of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Project. On the National Day of Mourning for injured and fallen workers, we reflect on the thousands of Italian workers who lost their lives in workplace tragedies across Canada. The event will include a screening of “Caduti,” followed by a moment of reflection to recognize their memory and sacrifice. Villa Charities is proud to be the home of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Wall, unveiled in 2016 in partnership with the Committee for the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Project.

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Jazz at the Columbus Centre returns by popular demand with a five-concert series from April 30 to December 3, celebrating the richness, diversity, and enduring appeal of jazz. The series begins on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm with “Jazz’s Greatest Hits,” marking International Jazz Day with drummer and arranger Daniel Barnes leading an all-star ensemble performing music made famous by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and more. Bundle all five concerts with the Jazz Series Package and save up to $50!

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Join us at the Columbus Centre from May 1 to 3 for Librissimi – Toronto Italian Book Festival 2026, featuring a full weekend of literary programming. The festival opens on Friday, May 1 at 7:00pm with a special Lifetime Achievement Award presentation, honouring excellence in Italian Canadian literary arts. The 2026 award will be presented to Professor Joseph Pivato, a leading scholar and early advocate of Italian Canadian literature. The evening includes award presentations, a silent auction, a photo exhibition, a cocktail reception, and live music. Presented in partnership with Librissimi – Toronto Italian Book Festival.

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Take in the artistic and cultural heart of Italy’s oldest carnival with this FREE screening of “Cartapesta: Carnevale di Fano” on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm. Directed by Fano-born filmmaker Andrea Lodovichetti, the documentary explores the centuries-old tradition of creating massive papier-mâché floats, highlighting the craftsmanship, engineering, and creativity behind them. Screened in Italian with English subtitles.

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Explore how “democracy” has been used to justify foreign intervention on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00pm in the lecture “Democratic Violence Abroad: Democracy and Regime-Change in Classical Greece.” University of Toronto lecturer and researcher Giulio Leghissa traces the idea of foreign intervention back to Classical Greece, where Athens established democracies to strengthen its empire, provoking hostility and ultimately contributing to its downfall. This lecture is part of the “Democracy: Origins, Transformations and Global Legacies” series.

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Step into the haunting dreamscape of “Everything Must Go” at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, where memories of shopping malls and department stores of the past are brought to life. Curated by the WARD 9 collective, this group exhibition features fragmented vignettes inspired by retail aesthetics and mall design, with artworks presented through themed ‘departments’ within intentionally sparse, retail-inspired installations. The exhibition runs until May 14, 2026.

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Examine how Fascist monuments have been interpreted in contemporary Italy on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00pm. Professor and historian Joshua Arthurs presents “The Afterlives of Fascist Monuments in Contemporary Italy,” tracing the legacy of Fascist monuments, architecture, and iconography from the fall of Benito Mussolini’s regime to the present day. The lecture explores how these sites have been interpreted—as infrastructure to be adapted, heritage to be conserved, and symbols to be removed—and considers the implications of these debates for contemporary Italian society and culture.

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The wait is over—our popular pasta-making classes are back. “Pasta-Making Classes: Classics of Nonna’s Table” is an eight-session culinary program from May 19 to July 7 that brings you into the heart of the Italian home. Guided by Chef Luciano Schipano, each hands-on class explores traditional regional dishes, with a tasting, take-home pasta, and a recipe so you can recreate it yourself! The series begins with Tagliatelle al Ragù on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30pm, where you’ll learn to make fresh pasta by hand and enjoy a tasting of this classic slow-cooked dish. For the best value, register for all 8 sessions and save $60, or create your own 4-session package. Presented in partnership with Chef Luciano Schipano.

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Enjoy a special evening performance on Festa della Repubblica by Coro San Marco on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00pm, in celebration of Italy’s national holiday. Led by Daniele Colla, the acclaimed choir presents a program of Italian opera classics by Puccini, Vivaldi, and Verdi, honouring the passion and beauty of Italy’s rich musical tradition. Light refreshments will be served.

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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 meetings will be held on Friday, May 1. 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.

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Villa Charities Foundation is excited to share that it has once again been selected as the beneficiary of the upcoming 8^th Annual Maranello BMW Golf Open, taking place on Monday, June 8 at King Valley Golf Club. Enjoy a full day of exceptional golf, premium hospitality, and memorable experiences on and off the course, including breakfast, lunch, your golf cart, and access to a variety of on-site vendors. Plus, don’t miss your chance to connect with NHL legend Gary Roberts. Early-bird pricing is available until April 30, so be sure to secure your spot early.

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The Villa Charities 19^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser, presented by LiUNA OPDC, is quickly approaching, and time is running out to register, fundraise, and be part of this meaningful community event on Sunday, May 24. There is still time to join fellow cycling enthusiasts for this scenic ride through Vaughan and the surrounding area, all in support of Villa Charities. Register today, start fundraising, and help us cross the finish line together for our community. 

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Buy your Giro raffle tickets by Sunday, May 24 at 1:00pm for a chance to win a KHS Eastwood Hybrid Bicycle, courtesy of our friends at ZM Cycle & Fitness. Raffle ticket proceeds will support areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs through Villa Charities Foundation. Tickets are 5 for $20 or 20 for $50 and can be purchased at reception in the Columbus Centre lobby. No Giro participation is required to enter.

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Friendly, energetic volunteers are needed to support the 19^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 24 at the Veneto Centre. With shifts from 6:30am to 4:00pm, opportunities include greeting cyclists, registration, raffle ticket sales, food service, rest stop support, and more. If you are interested, please email us by Friday, May 15.

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Treat your mom to a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10 at 12:00pm, in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu featuring an antipasto bar, prosciutto and pasta stations, and a plated entrée. The experience continues with a dessert station of Italian favourites, along with live entertainment by Alessandro Battaglia. Adult tickets are $100 and children (ages 4–10) are $50, inclusive of taxes. Space is limited and reservations are required. Presented by Columbus Event Centre and Chef Luciano Schipano Hospitality Group. 

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This summer, take your dance skills to new heights! With exclusive training designed for competitive-level dancers, you’ll push your limits, perfect your technique, and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed. Registration is now open for the DanzArts Toronto 2026 Summer Series. Contact dance@danzartstoronto.com for more information.

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Spring is the perfect time to reset your routine with Premium Fitness Programs at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. These specialty classes, led by certified instructors, give you the opportunity to challenge yourself and build skills in a supportive environment. Try our NEW Jiu Jitsu classes and take on a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and mobility. Open to Members and Non-Members, there’s still time to sign up for spring term classes.

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Stay active with Aquafit classes and swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Led by certified instructors, these programs offer low-impact workouts and skill-building lessons for all ages in our large indoor pool. Spaces are still available, with registration open to both Members and Non-Members.

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Help your young athlete build soccer skills, teamwork, and a love for the game at Soccer Camp at the Columbus Centre. Designed for ages 8–12, campers take part in drills, small-sided games, and fun challenges that develop speed, coordination, and strategy. With plenty of opportunities to score goals and make friends, each day leaves them feeling confident, energized, and ready to play their best. The camp runs from June 29 to July 31.

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The Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) is gearing up for its 35^th Annual Golf Tournament at Glen Eagle Golf Club on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:15am. Enjoy a full day of connection and community, beginning with breakfast followed by a round of golf, a sit-down lunch, raffle prizes, a silent auction, and a celebration of this year’s champions. Proceeds will support impactful projects that enhance the lives of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto.

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