Explore Dance, Language,
Philosophy and More at our Upcoming
Cultural Tuesdays Presentations
We have a fascinating and engaging line-up of presentations at our upcoming 
Cultural Tuesdays programs, to be held in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery
at the Columbus Centre. 
     
“The Creative Process”
Tuesday, February 22, 7:00pm
 
Don’t miss your chance to experience “The Creative Process,” a behind-the-scenes look at dance choreography with DanzArts Toronto’s Artistic Director, Tara Pillon. Audience members will watch as a piece of choreography is formed, learn how to appreciate the beauty of choreography, and observe how the magic of a performance unfolds in front of their eyes. Tara and a group of advanced DanzArts Toronto dancers will create a live performance, followed by a Q & A with the artists.

Tickets: $5.00 Register Now
“Italy’s Languages and Dialects”
Tuesday, March 1, 7:00pm
 
Although Italian is the official language of Italy, it is not widely known that Italy
boasts some 34 spoken languages and related dialects. Professor Franco Pierno
will provide a brief overview of this extraordinary linguistic richness as well as try to answer some basic questions: What is a dialect? Are dialects disappearing? Which other languages are present in Italy, and what is the impact of dialects on the Italian community in Toronto? 

Tickets: $5.00 Register Now
International Women’s Day 2022: Our Voices, Our History
Tuesday, March 8, 6:30pm

Villa Charities in partnership with Vibrant Women’s Voices and Com.It.Es.celebrates 2022 International Women’s Day with a presentation that reflects on the stories of a group of Italian-Canadian women. From professional figures to volunteers, community leaders to authors, these women share their perseverance, stamina, courage and determination in a world where their presence has not been valued, or their efforts and contributions recognized. Join us for an exemplary journey for future generations.

Speakers include Marisa Agostini, Anna Ciardullo di Villapiana, Lillian Conti, Bruna Di Giuseppe, Maria Di Marco, Michela Di Marco, Laura Libralato and Laura Tonelli, followed by a Q & A.
 
A ‘Pay What You Can’ Event Register Now
“The Italian Plato”
A two-part lecture series by Dr. André Lanoue
 
“Plato’s Sicilian Influences” – Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 7:00pm

Discover Plato’s trips to southern Italy, where Pythagoreanism blossomed throughout the 6th and 5th centuries, and his visits to the tyrant Dionysius II of Syracuse.
This lecture will recreate the philosophical (but also political and cultural) landscape
of southern Italy in Plato’s time, tell the tale of a tragic friendship at the court of Syracuse and revisit the first known attempt to establish a philosophical City-State,
in Ancient Sicily.
 
“Renaissance Platonism in Florence” – Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 7:00pm

The Florentine Renaissance, admired for its ravishing art and literature, praised for
its magnificent architecture and erected as a model of wisdom for its groundbreaking scientific developments, drew its novelty from the rediscovery of the Ancient tradition. Exploring the foundation of the Florentine Platonic Academy led by intellectuals
such as Marsilo Ficino and Pico della Mirandola, this conference will shed light
on the philosophical pendant of the Italian Renaissance as well as some of its
lesser-known repercussions.
     
Tickets: $5.00 Register Now


For more information visit our website or call 416-789-7011 ext. 248.

Current COVID-19 protocols at time of event will be in effect. 
Villa Charities
Villa Charities and Columbus Centre Remove Capacity Restrictions
We have removed capacity restrictions for most on-site programs and services at Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre. Please note that other COVID-19 safety measures remain in effect as applicable, including masking. All patrons and members participating in our activities and events must continue to provide proof of double vaccination, as per the corporate vaccine policy.

Interview with
Marco DeVuono in Panoram Italia’s Winter Issue
Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities was featured in the Winter 2021 issue of Panoram Italia magazine, where he talked about his vision for the organization for 2022 and beyond.

Villa Charities is proud
to present “2050: Artifacts from the Future of Medicine” Art Exhibition
Artist, scientist, philosopher, futurist,
Nick D’Aleandro imagines fictional realities where medicine, genetic engineering, microtechnologies, and robotics, come together to stave off disease and prolong human life. D’Aleandro has delivered a tour-de-force exhibition representing 25 years of drawing, collage, sculpture, and video art, populated by “orgs”, androids, and cyborgs.  Exhibition opens March 1 at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery.

Meatballs 101: “Veal vs Ricotta” at Villa Cucina
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. On Wednesday, February 23 at 5:30pm, 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 workshop.

Don’t Miss February’s 
Book at “Club del Libro”
“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.
Register 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.

“Travel Through Italy” Virtually with Adele Addorisio
Whether you’re 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 at “Travel Through Italy” with Adele Addorisio. The online workshops are Mondays at 7:45pm (Italian-speaking class) and Tuesdays at 7:45pm (English-speaking class). Sign up today!
Catch Up on the Latest Art News and Events with
“Art & Aperitivo” 
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 through March 24.
Only A Few Weeks Left
to Get Tickets for “So I Married A Mangiacake” 
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.
Explore Your Ancestry
with Italian Family Tree Workshops
Villa Charities invites you to join the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club’s Family Tree Guy Don Rampone for a series of online workshops to help you create and grow your own family tree. These interactive and participatory, introductory-level workshops will encourage attendees to share their own examples, which will be used as educational opportunities. The price for the series of eight workshops from March 17 to May 5 is only $35.00!
Join us for Italian
Parent & Tot Classes
L’ora dei bimbi is a unique and inspired Italian language program for parents and toddlers co-presented by Multilingual Kids and Villa Charities. Embrace your heritage while bonding with your child through songs, rhymes and stories.
Join us at the  Columbus Centre on Wednesdays at 10:00 am starting March 30 through June 1. For more information, visit multilingualkids.ca.

“Ballo Liscio” Returns
to the Columbus Centre
in March
Villa Charities presents the return of our popular “Ballo Liscio” music and dancing nights at the Columbus Centre beginning Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30pm. Enjoy these social dancing events every week with live musical performances by
Bruno Nesci. Tickets are $5.00 at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
Book Your Virtual
One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco
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. The next Friday Chats is scheduled for Friday, March 11. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email [email protected].

Villa Charities Foundation
50% Off 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 50% registration (regular $100) now until March 20, 2022.

Save the Date for the 2nd Annual Ital-Canadian Golf Open at The Country Club
Last year, the inaugural Ital-Canadian
Golf Open was such a success that
we are returning for another great day
on the greens. Join us on
Thursday, September 8th, 2022, at
The Country Club, as CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada, and Villa Charities Foundation come together again to celebrate our community and give back in a meaningful way. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details, coming soon.
Columbus Centre
Special Offer for
New Members Extended
to February 28! 
There’s still time to save with this special promotion! Join the Columbus Centre Athletic Club before February 28 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. 

Squash Workshops
for Players of All Ages
and Skills
Columbus Centre Athletic Club has squash programs that are perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.
Our “Rust Remover” program is for intermediate players returning to 
squash with drop-in drill sessions on Sunday mornings now through March 6 and a six-week program beginning on March 27. Our All-Girls Learn to Play Squash Program beginning March 30
is aimed at girls aged 6 to 14 who are new to the sport and the
Adult Beginner Learn to Play is a
six-week program starting March 30 with a focus on squash fundamentals.
Visit our website for full details and register now.      
Learn to Swim at
Columbus Centre
Athletic Club
Our Aquatic Programs at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club offer a wide variety of swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels. From Preschool to Swimmer Level 9, our qualified instructors for the Lifesaving Society Program will provide participants with a safe and fun experience in our large indoor swimming pool. You’ll find all the details on our website.
Express Your Artistic Creativity with our
Art Programs 
Register today for our winter 2022 painting workshops at the Columbus Centre and start expressing your artistic skills. Suited for participants of all skill levels, our Artista Painting Workshop and Less Defined Landscape Painting classes are perfect for students who have a passion for painting and want to further their understanding of painting principles. All our classes have capacity limits, which allows for one-on-one instruction in a safe on-site environment. Register today!
 
Master “Mamma’s Marmellata” with our Painting Masterclass
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.
Villa Colombo Toronto
Villa Colombo Toronto Needs Volunteers!
Do you want to give back to your community? The greatest gift you can give to our seniors is your time. Villa Colombo Toronto is currently looking for volunteers to help assist with religious/Mass escorts, Meals on Wheels delivery, art and music programs, friendly visits, and more. Contact Villa Colombo at 416-789-2113 ext. 2216 or by email
A Message From a Valued Arts Partner
Drop by the
Caffe Cinquecento Italian
Bar & Eatery 
Caffe Cinquecento Italian Bar & Eatery is open in the Columbus Centre Monday to Saturday for take-out and catering services. Enjoy our Hot Table, from 11am to 3:00pm daily. Our retail section is also open for your shopping needs.

View our website for more information and check out our daily Hot Table Menu.