Immigrant Story Exhibition Now Open at
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery
Villa Charities invites you to attend “Immigrant Story,” an exciting new exhibition about the immigrant experience in words and pictures. The exhibit features 40+ stories about members of our community who immigrated to Canada from Italy and other countries. Created and developed by Sholom Wargon, this exhibit is an evolution of the Immigrant Story Project. The exhibit is now open and will run to November 10 at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pm and proof of vaccination is required for entry. Presented by Sholom Wargon Design and Pizza Nova.

Villa Charities Vaccination Policy for Patrons and Members
Villa Charities is committed to providing a safe environment for our visitors, staff, and the general public. During the pandemic some of our facilities were temporarily closed. By implementing comprehensive safety protocols, including this vaccination policy, we look forward to reopening all our indoor facilities at the Columbus Centre to the public.
 
As part of our new vaccination policy, access to indoor public settings will require proof of vaccination. A mandatory vaccination policy for all staff is also in effect. These vaccination policies are part of Villa Charities’ comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan, which includes masking, social distancing, and screening. Please view the full details of our vaccination policy for patrons and members below.
 
We thank you for your continued support as we all do our part to protect our families, colleagues and the community at large.
 
Travel through Italy with our New Instructor Adele Addorisio
Take a virtual journey through the beautiful regions and cities of Italy! From North to South, get inspired by landscapes, recipes, small towns, poems, art, literature masterpieces and local tales. Whether you are sharing your Italian origins with your classmates or simply your love for this country, you will get to know lots of new Italian words, customs and friends! It all starts on Monday, October 4 at 6:30pm for English speakers and 7:45pm for Italian speakers. Workshops continue every Monday through November 29.
 
New Cultural Tuesdays Event Announced with Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri
Join us for our next Cultural Tuesdays event with Italian cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri as he presents “A Gentle Way to Mend a Broken Heart,” a lecture on minimally invasive heart surgery. This informative lecture introduces the audience to the latest innovations in heart surgery and disease intervention. While there have been considerable advancements in terms of medications over the past decades, only recently in Canada have minimally invasive surgical techniques emerged as a novel opportunity to address complex heart disease. We hope to see you on Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00pm at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Maximum capacity of 80 people and proof of vaccination is required for entry.
 
Italian-Canadian Queer Readings Continue Virtually Next Week
Villa Charities, in collaboration with The National Public Readings Program, is pleased to invite you to free readings of selected works by Italian-Canadian queer authors Monica Meneghetti and Liana Cusmano. Part II of these live virtual readings is on Wednesday, October 6 at 7:00pm. We also had the opportunity to ask Monica Meneghetti a few questions about herself and the importance of Italian-Canadian queer literature. Read the interview on our website here.
 
Relax with our Art & Aperitivo Workshop with Violante Binazzi
This workshop is an opportunity to talk about art in a relaxed environment while enjoying our favourite drink together virtually. In this online interactive workshop, we will discuss the most significant art news and events from around the world, using Italian magazines and newspapers. We invite you to practice your Italian while expressing your views. The first workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm and sessions run every Thursday through November 25.
 
Cultural Tuesdays: "Living the Lingo of Linguine" Announced
Italians possess a bevy of phrases for all of life’s phases. Join Teresa De Luca as she shares “Living The Lingo of Linguine,” which will provide you with some of Italy’s wisest words, expressions, and proverbs. Her book will strike up a conversation of cultural comparison and translate these words, not only into English but into a carefully curated way of life. Join us on Tuesday, October 12 at 7:00pm for this virtual event.
 
Join Us for October’s Virtual Town Hall with the CEO
We invite you to join us on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00pm for our next Virtual Town Hall with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities, when we will share the latest news and updates about Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre. We look forward to hearing your questions and thoughts on our programs, services and activities, including our current on-site COVID-19 protocols and vaccination policy. If you would like to participate, please RSVP by Friday, October 15th to csimpson@villacharities.com and we will send you the GoToMeeting link to use.
Don’t Miss Racconti in Italiano – Short Story Book Club with Violante Binazzi
With a focus on learning new Italian vocabulary, this online book club offers adult students at any level the opportunity to discuss contemporary short stories in both Italian and English. A variety of literary themes and styles are covered including stories by established literary figures, as well as a new generation of writers, with stories that explore aspects of Italian life. The first of three monthly workshops will be held on Wednesday, October 20 at 5:30pm.
 
Cultural Tuesdays Ennio Morricone: In His Own Words Continues with Second Lecture
This four-part lecture series commemorates the late composer Ennio Morricone by examining his career through his unforgettable film soundtracks, from Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns to Hollywood films by Quentin Tarantino. Inspired by his biography “Ennio Morricone: In His Own Words”, these lectures will reflect on Morricone’s personal experiences as a composer for Italian and international cinema while exploring the relationship between images and music. Join us for the second lecture, “Music and Images” on Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00pm.
 
Join us for our Book Club, Club del Libro with Violante Binazzi
Our online book club is an opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian. Join us for the fall 2021 sessions, where we will embark on literary adventures with extraordinary works by acclaimed prize-winning authors. The first workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 27 at 7:00pm as we read “I Pesci Non Chiudono Gli Occhi/Fish Don’t Close Their Eyes” by Erri De Luca.
 
Columbus Early Learning Centres Accepting New Applicants
The Columbus Early Learning Centres, including the new location at St. Raphael Catholic School are all accepting applicants for our child care services. For more than 30 years, we have provided the highest quality of child care to those within our community between the ages of 18 months and 12 years. We are proud to offer diverse, engaging services that reflect the values on which we were founded. Columbus Early Learning Centres are taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of the children, families, and our staff, and we are following the guidelines from the Ministry of Education, City of Toronto, and Toronto Public Health.
Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with the CEO
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, October 8. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call
416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.
Italian Parent & Tot Classes at the Columbus Centre
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 Thursdays at 9:30am starting October 7 through November 25 and Saturdays at 4:00pm starting September 25 through December 4. For more information, email sandra@multilingualkids.ca.
Congratulations to the 2021 Villa Charities Scholarship Winners
Villa Charities has announced the winners of its second annual national
scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The second year of the Villa Charities Scholarship Program was launched in February 2021 and is available to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. View the 2021 winners below.
 
Villa Charities Celebrates
50 Years with Fun Fact Fridays!
In recognition of our 50th anniversary this year, we’re sharing lots of fun and interactive social media content for the Villa Charities community. Celebrate #VCI50 with our Fun Fact Friday series. Did you know that Parmesan cheese originated in the area around Parma, Italy? Italians also created many other cheeses, including Gorgonzola, Mozzarella, Provolone, and Ricotta. Follow us on our social media channels as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary.
 
October's Masterclass, “Fabulous Fall Colour”
is Here
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. These stand-alone workshops will focus on light, shadows and colour theory, and students will learn to capture light and paint convincing shadows. Register for the “Fabulous Fall Colour” workshop on October 21 at 6:30pm.
 
Recreational Dance Programs at DanzArts Toronto Available
It’s not too late to join us at DanzArts Toronto, where we are committed to excellence in dance education. Drop-in classes at the Columbus Centre are available for dancers ages two and up! The Recreational program is designed to develop technical skills and foster artistic expression. Students may choose to enroll in one or several classes of any style, including tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, musical theatre and more. Never miss the chance to dance!
 
Take Your Musical Education to the Next Level with the Columbus Centre School of Music
Learn a new instrument this fall! Columbus Centre School of Music continues to offer affordable and effective lessons for all instruments to kids, teens, adults, seniors or groups. From piano to voice lessons, our instructors have in-person and virtual classes available. Contact cultural@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 248 to for more information or to join.
 
Join the Columbus Centre Athletic Club This Fall!
Don’t forget that Athletic, Aquatic and Wellness programs and facilities at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club are all up and running. Indoor programs are offered with capacity limits along with other restrictions and booking requirements for the pool and outdoor group fitness including spinning classes. Appointments for the main gym are not required. Outdoor and virtual programs and classes will also continue to be offered. Contact fitness@villacharities.com or visit our website for more information.
 
Enjoy Tennis at the Columbus Centre Tennis Courts
Fall has just arrived, but our outdoor tennis courts are still open. Register for a tennis game or lesson before the courts close on October 31 for the season. Contactfitness@villacharities.com to learn more.
Now Accepting Applications for our Seniors’ Apartments
Villa Charities is accepting applications for our three apartment buildings designed for seniors living within our community. Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo offer an independent living lifestyle to seniors with residences that provide excellent amenities and services in a central GTA location. Interested applicants aged 59+ are encouraged to fill out the contact form on our website today.
 
TLN Media Group TV Channels Are Free This Fall!
Hey Canada! Craving adventure and a world of new experiences – TLN Media Group is excited to announce a nationwide free preview of 7 of our multicultural TV channels starting immediately and lasting until the end of December 2021. Working with participating carrier partners, our 7 TV channels in English, Spanish, and Italian can now be seen by 20 million Canadians in about 9 million homes during this special freeview event.