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Announcing the Villa Charities
Young Artist Grant Program
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Submissions Open Tuesday, September 5 at 12:00pm EDT
Villa Charities is excited to announce the launch of their Young Artist Grant, a national grant program established to support young Italian Canadian artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music and film. The aim of the Young Artist Grant is to provide financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian Canadians are engaged with Villa Charities, and the Italian Canadian community at large.
This new biennial fund is an integral component of the organization’s Italian Canadian Youth Initiative (ICYI), a suite of programs and activities strategically created with the long-term objective of engaging and supporting the youth in our community, established in 2021 as part of Villa Charities’ 50thAnniversary celebrations.
In 2023, Villa Charities will award a total of $15,000, to be disbursed to three (3) talented young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and of Italian heritage.
Grant applications open on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12:00pm EDT, with a deadline of Friday, September 28, 2023, at 5:00pm EDT. The selection and evaluation process will be conducted by a Selection Committee for each grant category. Grants will be awarded by Villa Charities at the end of 2023.
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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It’s #TributeThursday, where we feature the inspirational immigrant histories from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. The story of Angelo and Antonietta Rossetti, who travelled from Friuli Venezia Giulia to Canada, illustrates their incredible determination to overcome challenges and make a better life for themselves and their family.
Read an excerpt below or see their complete story on our Immigrant Map.
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“In 1937, our parents Angelo and Antonietta were sweethearts planning to marry and live on the family farm in Ceolini. Plans halted with the start of WW2. Conscripted in 1939 to the 3rd "Julia" Alpini mission, Angelo fought in Albania and then Greece, where he was imprisoned. Once freed in 1942, he fought again in Russia, and was one of the few from the "Julia" division to return to Italy. He remained silently disillusioned with the wreckage of war: poverty, scarcity of resources, and a diminished hope for a better future for his family. In 1949, on the Saturnia ocean liner, he immigrated alone from Genoa to Halifax and into Toronto. After 1 year of gruelling work as a masonry, he had saved enough to pay off his own voyage and that of his wife and 5-year-old daughter.”
The immigrant journey of Angelo and Antonietta is just one of the many incredible family histories that are celebrated and honoured through the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project.
Join the Rossetti family today and honour your own family. With a donation to the Tribute Project, you’ll receive a customized name plaque and the chance to share your family’s story with the world.
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At Columbus Centre, ICBC Executive Director Paul Ariemma (L) introduced Enzo Bearzot, coach of ltaly's winning World Cup 1982 soccer champions, to a cheering crowd a short time after the largest Toronto gathering in peacetime celebrated the win at St. Clair and Dufferin in Toronto. (August 1982). | |
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Villa Charities Honours
Paul Ariemma
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Villa Charities was very saddened to hear of the passing on August 17, 2023, of Paul Ariemma. Paul was instrumental in the creation of Villa Charities and the development of Villa Colombo Toronto and the Columbus Centre, serving as the first Executive Director of the Italian Canadian Benevolent Corporation (ICBC) from 1971 to 1984 and for the Columbus Centre from 1982 to 1984. He later served as a volunteer Board Member at Villa Colombo. He continued to be a tremendous supporter and friend of the organization and will be fondly remembered by everyone in the Villa Charities family for his contributions to the Italian-Canadian community.
We offer our deepest sympathies to Mr. Ariemma’s family and friends at this difficult time. Donations to Cancer Society or
Villa Charities are welcome in lieu of flowers.
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Don’t Miss our Final Movie Night for Cinema all’Aperto! |
It’s your last chance to join Villa Charities, TLN Television and Caffe Cinquecento for a FREE hit movie from Italy, screened outdoors in the beautiful Columbus Centre courtyard and Caffe Cinquecento’s patio. Tonight at 7:00pm, enjoy “Niente di serio” / “Grannies On The Run”, where best friends Angela & Franca embark on a comical and heartwarming adventure to Venice, breaking free from their monotonous routine.
Learn More
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“Bring Me the Horizon” Exhibition Opening on September 7 | |
You are cordially invited to the opening night reception for the exhibition, “Bring Me the Horizon” on Thursday, September 7 at 7:00pm, by Italian-Canadian contemporary figurative artist Fabrizio Sclocco. This retrospective exhibition and visual journey tackles themes of self-embrace and self-healing, encouraging others to reconnect with their inner child and to embark on their own transformative journeys towards their horizons. The exhibition continues until October 5, 2023.
Learn More
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Sagra del Pomodoro / Tomato Sauce-Making Festival on September 10 | |
We’re excited to announce that our annual free community event celebrating the Italian tradition of making tomato sauce returns on Sunday, September 10 from 11:00am to 1:30pm at the Columbus Centre. Enjoy a plate of pasta and live music by Sam Saverino. Plus, receive a complimentary jar of fresh tomato sauce to enjoy at home, courtesy of ICBSAC and Villa Charities! Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
**First-come, first served – while supplies last.
Learn More
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Ballo Liscio Returns on Wednesday, September 13 | |
Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes! Ballo Liscio returns for the fall with indoor dancing and live musical entertainment beginning September 13 at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC). Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
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Dante’s “Divine Comedy” Interpreted | |
On Thursday, September 21, Italian theatre actor Manuele Morgese will read and interpret five Canti from Dante Alighieri’s “Divina Commedia”. Please note this FREE lecture is in Italian. Presented in partnership with Teatro Zeta and Società Dante Alighieri Toronto.
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A Performance of Traditional Sicilian Folk Dances | |
The traditional dances of Sicily come to life through this captivating performance and interactive workshop on September 25 from the Sicilian folk group Viginti Millys, whose mission is to preserve and revive their cultural significance. Thanks to the rediscovery of various local dances from their own research, the ensemble’s talented 12 dancers and 3 musicians in traditional Sicilian dress bring to life various dances typical to regions of the island.
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Italian for Toddlers Begins September 27 | |
Children ages 1 to 3 can learn Italian through an immersive experience including storytelling, music and arts with Italian for Toddlers! This program in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi includes ten one-hour classes every Wednesday at 10:00am beginning September 27. Parents must attend class with their child.
Learn More
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Learn How to Make Pasta from Scratch at our Workshops | |
Join Chef Anthony Sestito on a culinary journey through the Italian tradition of fresh pasta making, with our 8-class series running from October 3, 2023, to June 4, 2024. Each class explores the art of creating different pastas, from making fresh dough using the “well” method, to the importance of resting, and choosing the right flours. The class ends with participants savouring the final pastas paired with various sauces.
Learn More
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“The South” – A Documentary by Andrea Ramolo | |
Villa Charities is proud to be a supporter of the documentary film “The South,” by Italian-Canadian recording artist and dancer Andrea Ramolo, to be screened at HotDocs at the Ted Rogers Cinema on October 5. Following the death of her matriarch and beloved grandmother, “The South” follows Andrea to the Salento in southern Italy to explore the rich history of its folk music and dance. Director Giuseppe Marco Albano captures Andrea as she uncovers the cultural phenomenon of the tarantate, the evolution of the pizzica, and the healing rituals of the south, and the Salento in particular.
Special Offer for Villa Charities Newsletter Subscribers: Save 25% on tickets with Promo Code: HDSOUTH25
Buy Tickets
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Elvis Tribute Concert:
“One Night with the King”
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Bruno Nesci & The Dreamers Show Band take you in a time machine back to 1968 and throughout the 1970s to experience the timeless music of the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Known around the world as one of the Top Elvis Tribute artists, Bruno Nesci proudly holds the distinction of being the only Canadian to place in the Top 5 at the 2022 Ultimate Elvis Contest at Graceland. Don’t miss this unforgettable Elvis tribute concert on Friday, October 6, that promises to be a memorable night of music and nostalgia.
Buy Tickets
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Practice Your Italian with our Learn Italian by Doing Workshops | |
Don’t miss any of our Italian language workshops with our Learn Italian by Doing programs this fall! “Club del Libro - Online Book Club with Violante Binazzi” will take you on a literary adventure with extraordinary works by acclaimed authors. Or enjoy a drink and snacks while you discuss culture, traditions and the latest news from Italy with “An Aperitivo with Daniela Sanzone”. Join us in a relaxed and “simpatico” atmosphere outside of a traditional classroom to learn or improve your Italian! Workshops begin the week of October 16.
Learn More
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Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco | |
Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next Virtual Friday Chat is scheduled for September 8. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Registration for Columbus Centre School of Music
Now Open
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Register now for the Columbus Centre School of Music’s 2023/2024 season and discover your musical passion! Learn a new instrument or hone your skills in vocal, piano, drums, guitar, violin and more! Classes begin September 11 and feature private one-on-one instruction with our experienced instructors.
Learn More
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Try Gentle or Deep End Aquafit Classes for a Low Impact Workout | |
Gentle and Deep End Aquafit programs provide a great stretching, strengthening, and low impact aerobic workout, in warm, soothing water, perfect for toning muscles and improving flexibility. Registration for Gentle Aquafit and Deep End Aquafit classes is open now for classes beginning the week of September 18.
Register via email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215.
See Aquatics Programs
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FREE Mind & Body Awareness Classes for Seniors | |
Since launching earlier this year, this new program at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a variety of free classes designed specifically for seniors. From mobility training and mindful meditation to arthritic aqua training and water dance, there’s something for everyone. Open to Members and Non-Members - view the schedule and register for a class today! This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Learn More
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Squash Lesson for Youth and Adults this Fall | |
Come to the Columbus Centre to learn to play squash through our 10-week programs running from September 13 to November 15. Available for kids and adults, these programs will focus on squash fundamentals including strokes, footwork, grips, and the rules of the game. Participants will need their own racquets, goggles, and non-marking shoes.
Learn More
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Registration for our Fall Premium Programs Begins September 5 | |
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a variety of Premium Group Fitness classes to choose from, to suit your interest and fitness abilities. With a diverse class schedule and beginner, intermediate and advanced levels available, you’ll be sure to find a class that’s just right for you. Register via email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 231. Registration begins on Tuesday, September 5 for both Members and Non-Members.
See Premium Group Fitness
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Professional-Level Training at DanzArts Toronto | |
DanzArts Toronto provides professional-level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is now open for our 2023/2024 dance season. Please visit danzartstoronto.com to view our full Recreational schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com if you have any questions or are interested in joining one of our competitive companies. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season!
Learn More
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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.
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901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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