Spotlight on Villa Cucina and
Taste of Italy Chef, Luciano Schipano
We recently talked to Chef Luciano Schipano, President of Slow Food Toronto, to learn more about him and his partnership with Villa Charities for the Villa Cucina cooking classes and upcoming Taste of Italy dinner series. Read the interview here.
 
Experience authentic Italian dishes and learn hands-on cooking techniques with the Villa Cucina cooking classes. Each week, Chef Schipano and his team will discuss new dishes in detail and provide step-by-step demonstrations. The class ends as you sit back, taste and experience the prepared feast, together with fellow participants. The next Villa Cucina class, “Tortellini: Brodo vs. Panna e Prosciutto” is Wednesday, November 10 at 6:30pm.
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 Chef Luciano Schipano. Our first dinner, Cena D’Autunno, is on Friday, November 26 at 7:00pm and includes a five-course meal! Register now for this ’gastronomic journey through the peninsula!’
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Quanno Nascette Ninno:
Christmas in Southern Italy
Experience the Vesuvius Ensemble as they perform traditional Southern Italian folk songs, accompanied by instruments typical of the Italian countryside. Celebrate the holiday season on Sunday, December 19, at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery with this special performance, including a pastorale played on the zampogna, special bagpipes traditionally played by shepherds on Christmas Eve. The Vesuvius Ensemble includes Francesco Pellegrino, Lucas Harris, Louis Simão, Romina Di Gasbarro and special guest Tommaso Sollazzo on zampogna.
 
Take “A Journey Through Italian Food and Culture”
at Cultural Tuesdays
Join Teresa Lobalsamo, Ph.D., on a four-part culinary tour of Italy as we explore the relationship between Italian food and culture, through art, literature, cinema, and our own histories. In the third lecture, indulge in clips and still images from several beloved Italian films alongside a discussion on the social, political climates surrounding these and other films. See how the foods served to us from the screen become a visual testimony of Italian life, over time. We’ll see you for “History of Italian Cinema...Through Food (Part 2)" on Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00pm.
 
Ballo Liscio Continues Every Wednesday Night
Villa Charities presents Ballo Liscio, our popular music and dancing nights! Join us every Wednesday at 7:00pm through December 15 in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery for our free social dancing nights with live musical performances! Mask or face covering required. Proof of double vaccination is required to enter the facilities.
 
Italy is Never Too Far Away with our Learn Italian by Doing Workshops
Don’t miss any of our virtual language workshops with our Learn Italian by Doing program this fall! From our book clubs (“Racconti in Italiano” and “Club del Libro”) and exploring the history and culture of Italy (“Travel through Italy”) to our casual conversation session (“Art & Aperitivo”), there is a workshop for everybody. Join us in a relaxed and “simpatico” atmosphere outside of a traditional classroom to learn or just to polish your Italian!
 
Examine the Career of Hollywood Composer
Ennio Morricone
This four-part Cultural Tuesdays 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 third lecture, “Mystery and Craftsmanship,” on Tuesday, November 30 at 7:00pm.
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, November 12. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.
Villa Charities Celebrates
50 Years with Special Playlists
In celebration of our 50th anniversary this year, we’re sharing lots of fun and interactive social media content for the Villa Charities community. Listen to our latest Spotify playlist - Classic Italian Songs to honour and celebrate #VCI50. Let us know what you think! Follow us on our social media channels as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary!
 
Give the Gift of Comfort and Care to our Long-Term Care Seniors
We’re launching our Comfort & Care holiday fundraising appeal! Please give generously and help purchase brand new technologically advanced beds and furniture for our seniors in long-term care at Villa Colombo Toronto. Donate today or join our Villa Charities Circle monthly giving program.
 
Find the Beauty of Art with our Painting Masterclass
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. This stand-alone workshop will focus on atmospheric effects and techniques, students will learn to capture depth and mood by achieving a good balance of value and edge quality. Register for the “Atmospheric Effect” workshop on Thursday, November 18 at 6:30pm.
 
Join Us for PA Dance Camp – November 19
Join our Recreational program for the 2021-2022 dance season - registration is still open! Classes are available for ages 3+ in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, acro and tap. Not sure what style will best suit your dancer? Come to our PA Day Dance Camp on Friday, November 19 for a full day filled with dancing! Students will be exposed to different styles of dance to explore what they like best, and dancers who enroll in a weekly dance class with us after attending dance camp will receive 5% off their season's tuition! Contact dance@danzartstoronto.com for dance camp and full season pricing information.

Columbus Centre Athletic Club Operating at Full Capacity
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club has resumed regular hours of operation, which means more time to meet your fitness goals! Group fitness classes at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club are available in our studios as well as virtually! From spinning and Circuit 55+ to high-energy ZUMBA®, we have a wide range of group classes that are included with your membership. Advance registration is required online through the Antaris Member portal for in-studio classes. Need more motivation? Personal training is also available virtually, on-site in the main gym or in a private studio. Check the website for details.
 
Discover the Benefits of Yoga with our Premium Group Fitness Classes
Our Fall 2021 Premium Group Fitness Programs are available at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club for Members and Non-Members. Sign up for a variety of Yoga classes such as Hatha Yoga, Gentle Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga. You can also try Olympic-Style Noncontact Boxing! Register via email at fitness@villacharities.com, in person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 231.
 
Learn Music with Ease at the Columbus Centre School of Music
Learn a new instrument this fall! Columbus Centre School of Music offers affordable and practical 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.
 
Villa Colombo Toronto is Looking for Volunteers
The greatest gift you can give to our seniors is your time. Villa Colombo Toronto is currently looking for volunteers to help assist with religious/Mass escorts, Meals on Wheels delivery, friendly visits and more. Contact Villa Colombo at 416-789-2113 extension 2216 or by email at volunteering@villacolombo.on.ca.
Villa Colombo Toronto Residents Enjoy Apple Picking and Baking Activities
Residents and staff from Villa Colombo Toronto recently spent the day picking apples and making baked goods. As one of the most popular activities, the seniors baked pies, tarts and crisp, all made from the freshly picked apples. We are happy to offer these activities for our seniors and are thankful for the delicious baked goods!
Social Activities Resume
for Apartment Residents
The residents at Casa Del Zotto are enjoying activities in their party room again, including bingo and Tombola nights. On November 2, Fr Celestino celebrated Mass for All Souls Day, remembering the faithful departed loved ones of our seniors.
Applications for our Seniors’ Apartments Are Open
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.