Franco Deleo’s photography is as concerned with the mediums of social practice and painting as it is with the techniques of photography. His focus on collaboration and care, as well as his references to art historical portraits and classical poses, are exemplified in two recent bodies of work. Through deep engagement with his subjects, the Italian-Canadian photographer explores tensions of sexuality and tradition, interior and exterior, and vulnerability and strength in his exhibition “Homecoming”. Join us for the Opening Night Reception on Thursday, April 4 at 7:00pm. “Homecoming” is part of the Contact Photography Festival.

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Welcome the spring season with a live performance by the Columbus Concert Band on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:30pm. Under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro, the award-winning Columbus Concert Band will perform a selection of popular concert band classics plus music by the Tijuana Brass, Broadway’s “West Side Story” and “Star Trek”. $15.00/$10.00 tickets are available at the door only.

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Toddlers can learn Italian through an immersive sensory experience including storytelling, music and arts with Italian for Toddlers! This program, in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi, offers the choice of a 10-hour course (Wednesdays or Fridays) or a 20-hour course (Wednesdays and Fridays). The spring term classes begin April 10, 2024. Parents must join their children in the class.

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“Duo Cantastorie d’Italia” on Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30pm seamlessly combines the mastery of accordionist John Lettieri and the captivating soprano voice of Reilly Bianchi Nelson. With Lettieri’s three-decade career highlighted by prestigious accolades and performances for dignitaries like Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and Nelson’s internationally recognized performance career, the duo creates enchanting musical experiences. Their collaboration blends Italian classics with canzone Napoletana, enthralling audiences with a seamless fusion of accordion, soprano vocals, and expert storytelling. 

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Reserve your spot now for our next online book club on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00pm. Violante Binazzi will lead the discussion of Italian author Natalia Ginzburg’s biography of the poet and novelist Alessandro Manzoni in the book “La famiglia Manzoni”/ “The Manzoni Family”. Our “Club del Libro” lets you practice your Italian skills in an engaging session with other book lovers.

Tickets are only $10.00!

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The second installment of our exclusive series, "Culture Crush: Singles, Art & Connection" promises to be a show-stopper. Join us on Friday, April 19 at 8:00pm for Jazz Night at Koener Hall, featuring the sensational sounds of Italian-American guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli and the enchanting vocals of Canadian sensation Caity Gyorgy. Mix and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts at the VIP After Party. Presented in partnership with Cesaroni Consulting, Koerner Hall and The Royal Conservatory of Music.

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The Italian diaspora is one of the most significant of the 20th century, with a far-reaching impact in the Americas, Australia and Northern Europe. The Italian immigration narrative is a universal one. What you will find in “Echoes of Growing Up Italian” are accounts of the immigrant experience as told through the eyes of women. Presented in partnership with Guernica Editions, Frank Iacobucci Centre for Italian Canadian Studies, and University of Toronto, Italian Studies. Edited by Gina Valle. Join us for this free event on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00pm.

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Popular Canadian-Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Frank Moyo (Francesco Muoio) makes his Villa Charities debut! Frank performs songs from his latest releases “Toronto to Milano” and “Alla Nostra”, which have already cultivated a reputation for this musical artist in his hometown and in Italy. With special guest Nonna Rita. Join us on Friday, May 17 at 7:30pm – Tickets on sale now!

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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 between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, April 12. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.

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Don’t miss your last chance to sign up for Giro with 50% off registration (a savings of $50), from now until March 31^st. Join us on Sunday, May 26^th for the Villa Charities 17^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser presented by LiUNA OPDC. This is a fun community ride through Vaughan and surrounding area that brings together cycling enthusiasts with route options for every skill level.

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Spring term classes at Columbus Centre School of Music begin Monday, April 1 for 12 weeks. If you’re interested in learning how to play a new instrument, or want to advance your skills further, register today to secure your place! We offer a wide variety of one-on-one music lessons taught by our highly skilled professional instructors. View our full list of programs and pricing online now.

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Registration is now open for our two spring term art programs, led by Toronto's multi award-winning artist and instructor, Sam Paonessa. Unleash the inner artist in you and learn how to paint like an expert. Discover new techniques, skills and a variety of subject matter in these hands-on workshops. Artista Painting Workshop runs from April 9 to June 10 and the Less Defined Landscape Workshop runs from April 10 to June 12. 

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Tennis season is finally here! Our outdoor tennis courts are in high demand, so get your Tennis Membership today and be match-ready when our tennis season opens on Monday, April 1. Register by March 31 and save $10.00 with our Early Bird promotion. Open to Members and Non-Members. Contact fitness@villacharities.com or 416-789-7011 ext. 213 for more information.

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A Certified Tennis Professional will guide kids through the Tennis Canada-approved “progressive Tennis” approach, with an emphasis on learning for the greatest amount of success. The theory behind it is that the faster your child sees success, the more they will enjoy the sport. This half-day camp will focus on the importance of teamwork, competition and most of all, FUN! Designed for the beginning, novice, and intermediate-level players.

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DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is now open for our 2024 Summer Series. Please visit our website to view our full Recreational schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com if you have any questions. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this summer!

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Try our Small Group Personal Training specialty multi-week clinics that are customized for specific fitness interests and goals. There is a maximum of only four Members per class, and we offer many training options including cardio, strengthen and endurance, weight training, seniors’ mobility, and golf and tennis clinics. There are only single spots left for many of our demo sessions including golf, so book now! Visit the Membership Office or contact Kabir at ksankar@villacharities.com for more information.

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Make a splash this spring with swimming lessons at the Columbus Centre. The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers swimming lessons for all ages and levels with The Lifesaving Society Program. Members and Non-Members can register now in the Membership Office and swimming lessons begin the week of April 1, 2024.

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The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a selection of aquafit classes designed to strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness in a low-impact format. Classes include Gentle, Deep End and Arthritic Aquafitness as well as Water Dance. Online registration is now open for Members and Non-Members, or visit the Membership Office. Classes begin the week of April 15, 2024.

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Get fit and have fun at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club with our Premium Fitness Programs. Try our new Women’s Defence Class, Living Well & Wise or Non-Contact Boxing, as well as TRX^®, Judo, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Mindful Meditation. Online registration for Members and Non-Members opens on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 9:00am.

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Try your hand at Squash and Pickleball on one of our five courts and make strides in your game. Whether you are a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, everyone is welcome! Learn from our certified instructors who will teach you the rules of the game, proper technique and more. Online registration for Members and Non-Members opens on Tuesday, April 2 or visit our Membership Office beginning at 9:00am.

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Thanks to the unwavering dedication of the long-term care home’s staff to the seniors they serve and their commitment to excellence, Villa Colombo Toronto has been awarded Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada! This achievement is a testament to the collective effort and passion that each of the staff brings to the organization every day. Receiving Exemplary Standing is not only a milestone for Villa Colombo Toronto but also a testament to their shared values, amazing teamwork, and commitment to continuous improvement. It reflects their tireless commitment to providing the highest quality of care and service to the residents, families, and clients in the community. 

Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents a Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00pm at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Tickets are only $50 and include a pasta and salad dinner, coffee, tea, and treats as well as three bingo games and dabber! Funds raised are for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. For tickets, please contact the VCTA Office at 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260 or email vcla@villacolombo.on.ca by April 12, 2024.

Presentation by Alessandro E. Presenza

Tuesday, April 30, 7:00pm

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

In this book, the author reflects on his dreams, aspirations, memories, and war. After the Allies bombed Rome and devastated the country he left Italy. As a Canadian, Luigi often warned about fascism. Could it happen again? Is history repeating itself? Here he reflects on political mistakes and how things could have been had he stayed there compared to Canada. He has a message!  

Please RSVP by April 28^th 12:00pm at ap1940@outlook.com