Thank You for Making “The Nonna Monologues” a Huge Success!
The final performances of “The Nonna Monologues” presented by Villa Charities run this weekend at the Columbus Centre. Audiences have shared their praise for our holiday production, which had sold-out performances during the limited engagement. Don’t forget to pick up unique “Nonna” gifts for holiday gift-giving before and after the show, including a special #LoveMyNonnna photo frame.

“The Nonna Monologues  is something special…both actresses are wonderful, lively, agile, expressive and beguiling.”
-Lynn Slotkin, Lynn Slotkin & The Slotkin Letter

Annual “Mostra Dei Presepi” Now on Display at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery
Organized by Centro Scuola, the annual “Mostra Dei Presepi” exhibit is now on display until Friday, January 10 in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre. This popular display presents 30 Nativity scenes assembled from different parts of the world and regions in Italy. Throughout the month of December, various schools will bring their students to experience the exhibit and learn about its history.

Winterlicious is Coming to Ristorante Boccaccio
From January 31 to February 13, Ristorante Boccaccio will be offering special, three-course prix fixe menus for lunch ($23) and dinner ($33), as part of Winterlicious 2020. Featured dishes include Pasta e Faggioli, Cavatelli alle Verdure and Salmone alla Griglia. Reservations will be accepted beginning Thursday, January 16.

“Learn Italian By Doing” Program Returns this Winter
Our “Learn Italian By Doing” program invites you to learn or practice Italian in a relaxed and “simpatico” atmosphere. Journey through Italy’s regions and cities in our “Travel through Italy with Angelita Papa” workshop, every Wednesday at 7pm beginning January 15. Also, practice your Italian while learning about the great masters of Italian Renaissance in our “Impara l’Arte with Violante Binazzi” workshop, every Thursday at 7pm beginning January 16.

Examine the Works of Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei
Cultural Tuesdays returns in the New Year with a special six-part lecture series dedicated to the relationship between art and science in the works of Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei, and their influence in cinema and popular culture. Join us on January 14 at 7pm, where Dr. Franco Gallippi will be examining the motif of “the journey” in Alighieri’s work.

Book Your Appointment for Friday Chats with the CEO
Come and meet with Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., for a one-on-one conversation, and share your thoughts on our programs and services. These informal chats with Anthony will be held on the second Friday of every month, from 10am – 3pm. Appointments are 20 minutes each and must be scheduled in advance. Upcoming dates for these chats are Friday, January 10 and Friday, February 14. Contact us today to schedule your appointment – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com .

VIP Guests Attend the Launch of Un Abbraccio!
On Monday, December 9, VIP guests were invited to attend the launch event of Un Abbraccio! at Ristorante Boccaccio as a preview of three events to be held in 2020, celebrating the cultural heritage of our Italian and Jewish communities and the enduring bond between them. Thank you for a successful launch event and click on the link below to view photos.

Don’t Miss Out on Free Registration for Giro 2020!
We are gearing up for the 14th Annual Villa Charities Giro cycling fundraiser presented by Lady York Foods on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at the Veneto Centre in Woodbridge. Sign up online with our Early Bird Special before midnight on December 31 and you will receive FREE registration (regular $100). Register for Giro today!

Win a Class Package with our DanzArts Toronto Giveaway Contest
Enter our DanzArts Toronto Instagram contest for the chance to win one class package of your choice for our Adult Ballet or Kinderdance Winter programs, beginning January 2020! To enter, follow @danzartstoronto on Instagram, tag three friends who are not current DanzArts Toronto students, and comment “I ❤️ DanzArts.” A winner will be selected after Friday, December 20, 2019. Enter today!

Save on March Break Camp with our Early Bird Registration
Register early for the Columbus Centre March Break Camp running March 16 – 20, 2020, including Magic Camp, LEGO / Be-A-Builder Camp and Ultimate Experience Camp! Receive $25 off for each camper when you register between January 6 and 10. Don’t let your child miss the chance to experience a week of fun-filled activities that will have them learning, growing and making new friends.

Give the Gift of Music with a Columbus Centre School of Music Class Package
Do you know someone who has always wanted to learn to play an instrument? Give them the chance to learn a new skill and explore their musical passion with a 10-class package! The Columbus Centre School of Music offers a wide variety of music lessons that are open to anyone of any skill level. Register now for winter term lessons beginning Monday, January 6!

Explore a Variety of Art Styles in our Winter Programs
Registration is now open for our winter art classes for children and adults, including Children’s Painting and Drawing and Adult Landscape Painting classes. The children’s class focuses on fostering creative confidence and explores a variety of mediums while the adult class focuses on landscape studies in an intimate group setting, which provides for one-on-one instruction.

Columbus Centre School of Music Student Releases Digital Single
We are very proud of Zoë Roiati-Antonucci, a student at the Columbus Centre School of Music since age 7, who has recently written and released her own single on digital platforms. Under the recording artist name Zoë Starra, her single "Sound Waves" is available on over 50 distribution platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play. Congratulations Zoë!

Kick Off the New Year at our New Year’s Eve Gala
The Columbus Event Centre's annual New Year's Eve Gala is the place to be to celebrate the arrival of 2020! Join us at Sala Caboto for what is sure to be a memorable night with an antipasto bar, gourmet seated dinner, deluxe open bar, musical entertainment and lots of dancing. Tickets are still available for $110 per person ($50 for children ages 4-10). Buy your tickets today and ring in the New Year with style!

Residents Attend Annual Holiday Parties
This week, residents at Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo gathered with members of the Villa Charities management and staff to enjoy refreshments, baked goods and a delicious meal in celebration of the holidays.

Villa Colombo Toronto Community Services Host Holiday Party for Seniors
On Wednesday, December 11, Villa Colombo Toronto Community Services held a special holiday lunch and party at Sala Caboto for all the seniors who take part in the Adult Day Programs and their families. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal and musical performance.