Villa Charities Community Open Forum
We invite all members of the community to join us on March 26 at 6:30pm at a public meeting to discuss the findings of the Villa Charities Visioning Project. The event, to be held at Sala Caboto, will include a brief presentation on the results, as well as a general
Q & A forum with VCI Board Chair Santo Veltri and VCI President and CEO Anthony DiCaita.

Capital Investment Projects Continue at Villa Charities
Villa Charities continues with the multi-year project initiated in 2018 to repair and replace aging facilities and infrastructure including several significant capital investments. Completed projects to date include asphalt repair and repavement at the Villa Charities campus, IT infrastructure, roof repairs, and upgrades and replacement of HVAC equipment.

Don’t Miss the World Premiere of “Leonardo’s Last Supper”
Tickets are now on sale for our world premiere production of “Leonardo’s Last Supper” at the Columbus Centre, created by internationally acclaimed theatre company DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT). This new interactive show is half-theatrical presentation and half-immersive dining experience inspired by the masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci, in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of his death.

Buy your Tickets Now
for our “In Deum” Easter Concert
Presented by Villa Charities and Centro Scuola, we invite you to join us for our “In Deum” Easter Concert featuring the Vesuvius Ensemble on April 15 at 7pm in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre. In honour of Holy Week, we are proud to present this concert featuring a unique cross-mix of popular and classical music with an emphasis on the "Mother of Sorrows”.

Facility Improvements Underway at Columbus Centre Athletic Club
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club will be investing approximately $100,000 in significant improvements to the facilities, which are expected to be completed by the end of May. We have planned a number of improvements to the Athletic Club, to provide a better experience for all patrons.

Join us for the Public Launch of our New Multimedia Exhibition
As part of our Diaspora Series, a new multimedia exhibition “City Builders: A History of Immigrant Construction Workers in Postwar Toronto” will be on display at the Columbus Centre from March 19 – 31, with a public launch on March 24 at 3pm. Filled with fascinating, personal stories of bravery and friendship, this display is dedicated to the history of the immigrant construction workers who built Toronto and their struggles in the 1950s – 70s.

Reconnect with the Italian Language in New "Learn Italian By Doing" Program
This spring we are launching a new program where people can learn or practice Italian in a relaxed and "simpatico" atmosphere outside of a classroom. Come and join us to learn or polish your Italian while doing yoga or enjoying a delicious meal and conversation at Ristorante Boccaccio at the Columbus Centre.

Enjoy a Free Documentary Screening of “Shores of Light”
“Shores of Light” by Yael Katzir (Israel, 2015, Duration: 56 min), is the poignant untold story of warmth and compassion after a terrible war. Join us on March 27 at 6:30pm for a free screening of the documentary in the Sala Caboto Ballroom at Villa Colombo Toronto, followed by a conversation with interviewer Giorgio Tinelli and special guest Dora Ennis.

Join us for the Book Launch and Reading of “Stones into Bread”
“Stones into Bread” by Vito Teti is a profound meditation on the Italian South, Italian identity and culture, and migration. Join us on March 23 at 2pm in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre to celebrate the book launch, followed by discussion and readings by translators Francesco Loriggio and Damiano Pietropaolo, and a Skype presentation by Vito Teti, who will be “joining in” from Calabria.

Explore Rome Through Cinema in New Cultural Tuesdays Series
Join us on March 19 at 7pm at the Columbus Centre for the first presentation of our next free Cultural Tuesdays series, where professor, academic and well-renowned lecturer, Dr. Franco Gallippi will examine “From Roma città aperta to La grande bellezza .” Visit Ristorante Boccaccio before or after the presentation to enjoy a prix fixe dinner with your choice of wine or Prosecco.

La Panarda-Abruzzo Theme Night Dinner at Ristorante Boccaccio
Join us on March 22 at 7:30pm as we experience the extraordinary food and joyful comradery that come together in the traditions of Abruzzo. With a menu that’s regionally inspired, you’ll savour a delicious gourmet dinner with wine and engage in cultural conversation about Abruzzo’s most infamous literary genius, Gabriele D’Annunzio. Tickets are $80 per person, inclusive of taxes and gratuities.

Our Friday Movie & Pasta Series Continues at Caffè Cinquecento
Drop by our Friday Movie & Pasta Series where we’ll be serving up a tasty selection of delicious pasta along with a screening of an Italian-themed movie. Join us tomorrow at 7pm for a screening of the popular movie “Rocky II.” Tickets are available for $20 + HST per person. Make a reservation today!

Express your Artistic Side in our Next Impressionist Painting Workshop
Join us for our impressionist painting workshop “Water Lilies” on Thursday, April 4 at 6:30pm at the Columbus Centre, where we will be crafting our own interpretations of Monet’s classic painting. Classes are available for $40 + HST per person. All materials including paint and a canvas will be provided.

DanzArts Toronto Students Perform at Youth America Grand Prix
Two dancers in our Enriched Intensive Training Program at DanzArts Toronto, Victoriana Belperio and Alyssa Scocco, recently participated in the Youth America Grand Prix in Toronto from March 8 to 10. Victoriana placed in the top 12 Junior Contemporary at YAGP and was awarded a scholarship and invited to compete at Dance Prix de New York. Enriched ITP is for high-level dancers who are dedicated to developing their technique and artistry, by audition only.

Book your Next Corporate Event at the Columbus Event Centre
Columbus Event Centre is the place to book corporate meetings, conferences, board room rentals, and social events for groups of 10 to 300 guests! Whether you are looking for a spacious Board Room or modern Art Gallery, our award-winning cuisine and service guarantee an extraordinary event. Let our dedicated event planning professionals make your next event a memorable one for you and your clients. Give us a call today to book a tour!

Sign Up for Giro and Receive 25% off Registration
The 13th Annual Villa Charities Giro cycling fundraiser will take place on May 26 at the Veneto Centre in Woodbridge and you still have time to register! Sign up today and receive 25% off your registration fee. Offer ends March 31, so register now to take advantage of this exclusive special!

Residents Celebrate International Women’s Day
On March 7, the residents at Casa Del Zotto gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day. Organized by Centro Anziani, our residents were treated to a delicious lunch, shared stories of inspirational women in their lives and enjoyed a sing-along performance of traditional Italian music.

Activity Professionals Awareness Week at Villa Colombo Toronto
Last week, Villa Colombo Toronto celebrated Activity Professionals Awareness week, to honour all of the staff who provide social, physical and recreational programs to help enrich the lives of our residents. On March 5, residents and their families were invited to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and treats to celebrate the occasion.

Villa Colombo Vaughan Highlights in March
On March 5, the residents at Villa Colombo Vaughan attended the Mardi Gras Social where they enjoyed coffee and donuts, making Mardi Gras masks and beads and taking pictures in a photobooth. On March 8, the residents celebrated International Women’s Day by gathering for tea and a conversation about the empowering annual event.

Opening Reception of “MAMMA, In the Meantime” Exhibition
In February 2018, members of the community, VIP guests and Board members gathered in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre for the opening night of Tony Luciani’s “MAMMA, In the Meantime” exhibition. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments as they viewed the moving photographic tale of life with dementia, depicted through the extraordinary relationship of an artist and his muse.

Opera Atelier Presents “Mozart’s Idomeneo”
The radiant Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman makes a triumphant return to Opera Atelier in her award-winning role as Elettra. Brimming with show-stopping arias, deeply emotional ensembles and spectacular dancing, “Idomeneo” tells the story of the Greek hero who is forced to choose between the life of his son and a terrible promise he has made to the god of the sea. The show runs from April 4 - 13 at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Villa Charities Inc. | 416-789-7011 | info@villacharities.com | www.villacharities.com