12 th Annual Villa Charities Giro Raises Funds for Long-Term Care Facilities
On Sunday, May 27 th , 130 riders participated in the 12 th Annual Villa Charities Giro cycling fundraiser. Riders enjoyed a challenging and scenic ride through Vaughan and Italian-themed food and beverage rest stops along the way. Thank you to all our valued sponsors, donors, partners, riders and volunteers for helping us raise $120,000, the proceeds of which will go towards purchasing new, high-quality beds for residents of our long-term care facilities.

Congratulations to Cantagiro Competitor Sophia Lygdas
Sophia Lygdas, a vocal student at the Columbus Centre School of Music, will represent Toronto in the Cantagiro International Youth Singer’s Competition in Fiuggi, Italy in September. Cantagiro is a well-known singing competition dating back to 1962 and has featured contestants that have gone on to high-profile careers in the music industry. Sophia was chosen from a group of five vocal student candidates from the Columbus Centre School of Music. Congratulations and good luck to Sophia!

There’s Something for Everyone at our Italian Heritage Month Programs
Italian Heritage Month is in full swing and we have a full schedule of exciting events happening at the Columbus throughout June. Join us and experience captivating performances, exhibitions and more as the best of Italian culture, cuisine and heritage once again take centre stage.

Experience the World Cup at the Columbus Centre
Make Caffè Cinquecento your headquarters to watch the 2018 World Cup from June 14 to July 15. Join us during regular café hours and enjoy our selection of daily fresh menu items and espressos among fellow fans in a “stress-free” viewing environment!

Canta Italia Tuesday Series is Fun for the Whole Family
Celebrate Italian Heritage Month with the entire family at these free, weekly Italian classic sing-alongs in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre. Renowned Italian-Canadian musician Claudio Santaluce will perform Italian folk favourites for a rousing night of music and entertainment. The Canta Italia Tuesday Series will run June 12, 19 and 26 at 7:00pm.

Visit the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery for the Viva Vitalità Italiana Exhibition
Come see this outstanding collection of art by Italian and Italian-Canadian artists, including the photographic exhibition “The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily,” by Marcello Tarantino and “Spotlight on Italian-Canadian Women Artists” by nine contemporary female artists. The exhibit runs until August 31 at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery.

Treat Dad to a Spectacular Musical Performance for Father’s Day
Celebrate Father’s Day at “O Mio Babbino Caro” Omaggio a Puccini: Opera Arias at the Columbus Centre. Enjoy an afternoon of Italian opera with internationally renowned Maestro Rolando Nicolosi, soprano Jonelle Sills and tenor Christopher Dallo. Don’t miss out on this tribute to Puccini on the 160 th  anniversary of his birth. The concert is free to attend and takes place Sunday, June 17 at 4:00pm.

Inaugural Youth Cultural Fun Fiera to Feature Music, Dance and Activities
We invite all members of the community to attend and participate in all the wonderful programming that our Cultural Arts Department has to offer at the Youth Cultural Fun Fiera on Sunday, June 24, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The afternoon will include presentations from DanzArts Toronto, music from our music instructors and students, and some extremely creative activities from our Camps Department. The event will take place at the Columbus Centre and is free for all.

Registration for Summer Fitness Programs Begins June 18
Get fit and have fun at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club with group fitness classes this summer. Get your heart pumping with Extreme Boot Camp, learn the art of karate, choose from one of our many yoga programs and more. Registration for members begins June 18 and for non-members on June 20.

Dance the Summer Away at the Columbus Centre Dance Camp
Students in the Columbus Centre Summer Camp’s Dance Camp will enjoy a daily schedule of hip-hop, modern, jazz and musical theatre in a positive atmosphere, where they can explore their maximum potential and have fun! The instructor will focus on technique and performance and there will be a performance by the campers for parents on the last day of camp!

Book Early and Save on Fall Classes at DanzArts Toronto
Early Bird registration for DanzArts Toronto fall recreational classes runs from June 6 to June 13. Book early and save on classes for all ages, including adult ballet, hip hop and dance bootcamp; breakdancing, tap and musical theatre for kids. Fall term recreational classes begin September 10.

Our Summer Cultural Outings Will Take you on a Journey to Magical Lands and Back in Time
Join us on our summer Cultural Outings to the Shaw Festival’s production of “The Magician’s Nephew” on Friday, July 13, 2:00pm and the Stratford Festival’s production of “Napoli Millionaria” on Wednesday, August 29, 2:00pm. Experience these shows that are full of magic, adventure, comedy and romance. Tickets to each show are $120 (+HST and including roundtrip transportation from the Columbus Centre).

Celebrate your 2018 or 2019 Event with Columbus Event Centre
The Columbus Event Centre still has availability if you’re looking to book an event for 2018. Let our event planning professionals make your wedding, social celebration or corporate event a memorable one!

Villa Colombo Toronto Begins New Family Support Group
Villa Colombo Toronto recently announced the start of a new monthly Family Support Group. The program launches June 27 and is available for families of Villa Colombo residents and our seniors’ apartments, as well as the general public. Sessions will explore a range of topics, including understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia and the benefits of long-term care.

Villa Colombo Vaughan Celebrates Seniors’ Month
June is Seniors’ Month in Ontario and Villa Colombo Vaughan is organizing weekly, specialized wellness programs throughout the month. Activities include seated Zumba ® , yoga, and tai-chi in the garden. The initiatives will promote and enhance a healthy and vibrant lifestyle for our residents. Residents at Villa Colombo Vaughan will also be celebrating Italian Heritage Month, Father’s Day and more throughout the month.

Messages From Valued Arts Partner
Join Salone di Cultura for Beyond Bella , an all-female showcase of contemporary music and visual art on June 8, 7:00pm, at 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media & Education. This year’s theme, Beyond Bella , shines a light on Italian contemporary culture in Canada while looking beyond stereotypes and tackling the myths surrounding Italian-Canadian women. Beyond Bella is presented with community partners Villa Charities/Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery and Istituto Italiana di Cultura. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here .
We’re excited to partner with the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) for this year’s festival! From June 14-22, indulge yourself in the Italian culture through film with some of Italy’s best-known celebrities in attendance. Screenings take place at TIFF in Toronto and Cineplex Cinemas in Vaughan. Visit  icff.ca  for showtimes and use promo code  villacharities  when ordering tickets to receive $2 off!
Villa Charities Inc. | 416-789-7011 | info@villacharities.com | www.villacharities.com