Every #TributeThursday we are honoured to share an immigrant history from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project. This week, we are featuring Pietro Arduini and Eleonora Tomassini, who immigrated from Mombaroccio, Marche in 1957 and 1958, respectively. 

Earlier this week we officially unveiled the redesigned Columbus Centre lobby, which was fully renovated with a beautiful new contemporary design and décor. The space was transformed into a welcoming destination for our patrons and visitors to gather and socialize. Our lobby renovation was made possible through a generous donation from the Carlo and Angela Baldassarra Family, and we are extremely grateful for their incredible support.

There’s still time to register for our friendly and interactive “Art & Aperitivo” sessions, to learn and practice Italian in a relaxed and social environment. Enjoy a drink and snacks with instructor Daniela Sanzone and fellow classmates as you discuss and explore Italian art, from frescos to magnificent fountains, paintings to monumental architecture and hidden treasures of Italy. Fall term classes run until November 28, for both English and Italian speakers.

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Villa Charities in collaboration with the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Toronto (CIBPA) presents this important seminar for seniors on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00pm. The web can be a rich source of information, connection, and community. But as with any public space, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Using some basic internet safety practices can help ensure that your online experience is safe and enjoyable. In this seminar, you will learn how to recognize and protect yourself from threats such as phishing emails and scam phone calls. Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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Due to popular demand, our candlelight concert returns! Italian-Canadian tenor Giacomo Folinazzo with special guest, classically trained soprano Elisa Rose perform a repertoire of canzoni, arias, duets, and popular songs in English and Italian. Accompanied by the warm tone of a cello and the timeless sound of the piano, Folinazzo and Rose lend their highly distinctive voices, passion, and versatility to this acoustic concert, awarding the audience with a unique intimate acoustic experience like no other. Get your tickets now – Friday, November 18 at 6:30pm.

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A not-to-be-missed culinary adventure! Savour the flavours of Tuscany with “Taste of Tuscany” on Friday, November 25 at 7:00pm. Indulge in delicious and authentic regional specialties prepared by Slow Food Toronto President and Chef, Luciano Schipano. Check out the menu for this delectable four-course dinner and book your tickets now! 

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Violante Binazzi leads our online book club, where participants can explore and discuss contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian. Don’t miss our next workshop on Wednesday, November 30 at 7:00pm, when we will be discussing “Dove mi trovo” / ”Whereabouts” by Pulitzer Prize-winning authorJhumpa Lahiri. 

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In "Sustenance", Sicilian-born Mimmo Baronello explores the morphing of nature in a polluted environment, mirroring our own struggle to adapt to constant and pervasive technological changes. His art blends the mannerist and baroque styles present in Sicilian culture and architecture, with contemporary iconography and Canadian natural imagery. The exhibition runs to December 3, 2022.

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Mark your calendars now for Villa Charities’ Festive Christmas Market on Saturday, December 3, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm! Shop fantastic local vendors and enjoy delicious seasonal food and beverages at the Columbus Centre. Get in the Christmas spirit as you discover great gifts for family and friends, or a special something for yourself. Plus, kids can have their photo taken with Santa!

On December 6 at 6:30pm, learn about making fresh egg dough including the process beginning from the “well” method, the importance of resting and choosing the right flours. Chef Anthony Sestito from Pastaio will teach participants about some simple, yet significant filled pasta shapes and styles as well as different types of fillings and their pairing with shapes and sizes. At the end of the class, enjoy a simple sauce and final dish of Cappellaci Di Zucca, with sage, pine nuts and pancetta. 

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Villa Charities presents “A Star Has Shone,” with Coro San Marco. Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with a concert by the acclaimed choir on Monday, December 12 at 7:00pm. Tickets on sale now!

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Have you downloaded your copy of our digital Fall & Winter Program Guide yet? Click on the link below and explore everything we have to offer at Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre. We have programs for all ages and interests including cultural events, art exhibitions, Italian language workshops, health and fitness, dance, visual arts, music, special culinary events and more. 

View The Program Guide

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 and must be scheduled in advance.

The next Friday Chats is scheduled for Friday, November 11.

Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or

email iusic@villacharities.com 

Book Your Meeting

Grab your paint brush and create your very own masterpiece! Join professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa, as he helps you develop your skills of specific painting techniques at the “November Sky” workshop on November 24 at 6:30pm. Students will learn to tell a story through painting, creating a narrative utilizing atmosphere, mood and colour. A lone tree stands against a dramatic steel gray sky creating a symbolic image of isolation. Ochre corn fields provide a feeling of warmth and provision.

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DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our Recreational and Adult classes. We also offer Dance Birthday Parties, private training classes and drop-in classes. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season! Contact us at dance@danzartstoronto.com for more information regarding our 2022/2023 dance season or to book your dancer's Birthday Party with us.

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Start planning now to register for our winter term swimming programs! With our large indoor swimming pool, we cater to preschool-aged children just learning how to swim, to seniors who enjoy aquafitness. Registration opens on Tuesday, January 10 at 9:00am (in person) for Members and Thursday, January 12 for Non-Members. Swimming lessons will begin on January 23, 2023. For more information, call

416-789-7011 Ext. 215 or visit our website.

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