Take a Gastronomic Journey to Sicily 
For our Taste of Italy series, join us to savour the flavours of the Italian peninsula. Indulge in delicious and authentic Italian dishes prepared by Slow Food Toronto President and Chef, Luciano Schipano. Our next dinner, “Taste of Sicily,” is on Friday, April 29 at 7:00pm at the Columbus Centre and includes a four-course meal!
Antipasto – Starter
Arancino Tradizionale Siculo con Crema di Pomodoro al Finocchietto
Traditional Sicilian arancino with fennel tomato cream

Caponata Tipica con Melanzana e
Basilico Croccante su Pane di Sesamo
Traditional caponata with eggplant and crunchy basil on sesame bread

Primo – First Course
Rigatoni alla Norma con Melanzana Fritta, Ricotta Salata e Salsa al Basilico
Rigatoni Alla Norma with fried eggplant, salted ricotta cheese
and basil-infused tomato sauce

Secondo – Entrée
Involtini di Carne alla Messinese con Contorno di Cavolfiore
Affogate al Vino Rosso
Messina-style meat rolls with cauliflower poached in red wine

Dolce – Dessert
Cannoli Siciliani con Ricotta, Mandorle e Pistacchi
Sicilian cannoli with ricotta cheese, almonds and pistachios
Get your tickets early for this ’gastronomic journey through the peninsula’ before the event sells out! 

PRICE: $100.00 (per person)
Price includes complimentary wine during dinner service. Additional wine, beer, mixed and soft drinks will be available for an additional cost.
Villa Charities
Villa Charities’ “Sagra della Salsciccia” Featured on TLN Connects
Villa Charities President and CEO, Marco DeVuono spoke to TLN Connects about the “Sagra della Salsiccia” event that was hosted at the Columbus Centre for the residents of our three seniors’ apartments on Saturday, March 26th. Marco discussed the importance of these traditional ‘sagre’ events for our community for preserving Italian culture and heritage.

Final Chance to
Take our Survey!
This is a final reminder to complete our online survey, so that we can gather feedback from our patrons, other users of our facilities and services, and those with whom we have a relationship. We are requesting your input on an important issue that has emerged over the last year. Your response will help us better understand the opinions of the Villa Charities community and assist us in deciding how to move forward. If you have already completed the survey, we thank you for your time and feedback.  

Explore the Mystery of “The Painter, the Priest and the Pope”
Register now for Cultural Tuesdays on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:00pm, when
Matteo Brera presents this fascinating piece of Toronto’s history, involving Giuseppe Circelli, an Italian immigrant, who wrote to Pope Pius XI in 1934 to denounce the alleged misappropriation of a painting of Saint Roch. Presented in partnership with the University of Western Ontario. A ‘Pay What You Can’ Event.
Welcome Spring with Columbus Concert Band
Celebrate the spring season with a live performance by Columbus Concert Band on Saturday, April 23 at 2:00pm. Under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro, the award-winning Columbus Concert Band will perform a selection of popular concert band standards, guaranteed to inspire a love of live music in everyone.
“The Quiet Immigrant Project” Celebrates ‘le femmine forti’
Villa Charities invites you to explore “The Quiet Immigrant Project,” an homage to the brave Italian women who immigrated to Canada after WW2 and through sheer strength of character wove their way into the fabric of society. Their stories of strength, courage, determination, and sacrifice are sure to move, amuse, and captivate. “The Quiet Immigrant Project” is a multifaceted, multimedia, and multilayered legacy exhibit at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery from April 24 to June 26, 2022. If you’d like to join us for the opening reception on April 24 at 2:00pm, please RSVP to thequietimmigrantproject@gmail.com.
Presented by Cultural Connections and sponsored by Villa Charities and Myseum of Toronto.
April’s Book Club Selection, "Lacci” / “Ties” is Here
Our online book club, “Club del Libro” returns with more opportunities to discuss and explore contemporary Italian literature by acclaimed authors while learning Italian with instructor Violante Binazzi. The next workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00pm where we will read “Lacci” / “Ties” by Domenico Starnone. Register now.

Enjoy Music and Dancing with “Ballo Liscio” Nights 
If the warmer weather has put a ‘spring’ in your step, join us for our “Ballo Liscio” music and dancing nights at the Columbus Centre! Villa Charities hosts these lively social dancing events every Wednesday with live musical performances by Bruno Nesci. All are welcome!

The Latest Art News and Events Discussed with “Art & Aperitivo”
Our friendly and interactive “Art & Aperitivo” sessions are an opportunity to learn and practice Italian, in a relaxed and social environment. Join us every Thursday evening at the Columbus Centre and enjoy a drink and snacks together with fellow classmates as we discuss and explore Italian art, from frescos to magnificent fountains, paintings to monumental architecture and hidden treasures of Italy.

Escape to Italy with our “Travel Through Italy” Language Series
Instructor Adele Addorisio will take you on a journey through the beautiful regions and cities of Italy while learning and practicing Italian! Be inspired by landscapes, recipes, literature, art, and local tales while enjoying engaging conversations. Join us every Monday evening through May 30. 

Music from the Movies is Explored with “Italian Film Composers”
Join us for a multimedia journey through the music of three of the most influential, Academy Award-winning, Italian film composers: Nino Rota, Luis Bacalov and Nicola Piovani. In this three-part Cultural Tuesdays series presentation from Luciano Lombardi, you’ll learn about and enjoy some of the most famous film scores and music themes in cinema. The first lecture of the series on Tuesday, May 3 looks at the memorable film scores by Nino Rota.

Discover Italy’s Foremost Sculptor, Antonio Canova
Register now for our two-part lecture by David Pantano on the life of Italy’s foremost sculptor, Antonio Canova, whose works are world-renowned. Championed by literary figures, and collected by kings and emperors, his best-known pieces such as “Cupid and Psyche” and “The Three Graces” are exquisite marble statues, depicting the eternal sublime of human and divine interactions. The first lecture on Wednesday, May 11 discusses his biography and key works. Tickets are $5.00.

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 are 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, May 13. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.

Villa Charities Foundation
Ride for Villa Charities at Giro!
Join us on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Veneto Centre in Woodbridge for the Villa Charities Giro cycling fundraiser. Proceeds raised at this year’s Giro will support the Canadian Red Cross’ Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. Register today! Minimum fundraising of $300 with a registration fee of $100.
 
Register Now for the Ital-Canadian Golf Open
Join us on Thursday, September 8, 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. Proceeds from The Ital-Canadian Golf Open will support scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate and graduate level students across the country.
Visit italcanadiangolfopen.com for details and to register.

Columbus Centre
Athletic Club Spring Registration Begins Next Week 
Get ready to sign up for the Columbus Centre Athletic Club's spring programs, with Athletics Registration beginning on Monday, April 18 for Members and Wednesday, April 20 for Non-Members. Registration for Aquatics programs begins on Tuesday, April 19 for Members and Thursday, April 21 for Non-Members. We offer a wide array of classes for a range of ages, abilities and interests!
Register Now for April’s Online Painting Masterclass 
Sign up now to reserve your spot in our virtual painting masterclass on Thursday, April 28, “Making Spring Sing.” In this workshop led by professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa, you’ll build textures and fresh vibrant colour in your landscape painting and helpful palette knife techniques rendering trees and foliage will be demonstrated. 
New House Leagues and Programs Available at Columbus Centre Athletic Club
Our spring squash, tennis, pickleball (doubles) and racquetball (doubles) house
leagues begin April 25 and run to June 20, with the finals on Saturday, June 25. Sign up today and play for prizes! House leagues are beginner-friendly but can be enjoyed by experienced players too. And check out our new schedule of ‘learn to play’ lessons for squash and tennis. Contact the Membership Office today!