“The Nonna Monologues” Returns! Don’t Miss the Premiere of the Brand New Digital Short

Following the sold-out run in 2019, Villa Charities is proud to present a special adaptation of their hit theatrical production “The Nonna Monologues” as a digital short by Artists in Residence DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT), to be premiered on Facebook Live on Thursday, December 17 at 6:00pm.
 
Director Daniele Bartolini along with Danya Buonastella and Maddalena Vallecchi Williams have reunited to bring the popular show back as a digital short for families to share and enjoy together during the holiday season.
 
This new adaptation includes the most memorable scenes from last year’s production as well as new recollections about Christmas with our Nonnas. A love letter of sorts, "The Nonna Monologues – A Digital Short” beautifully weaves heartwarming stories and memories of this special generation of women into an unforgettable experience filled with song, dance, laughter and holiday cheer.
 
Audiences have shared their praise for this holiday show and now you can enjoy this delightful production for the first time or experience it again with the new digital adaptation! Whether we’re in the same city, across the country or on the other side of the globe, “The Nonna Monologues – A Digital Short” is the perfect way to spend some holiday time together, even when we’re apart.
 
Fellini and The Adventures of Pinocchio: A Virtual Lecture to Commemorate Fellini’s Centennial
This one-hour virtual lecture commemorates Fellini’s one hundredth birthday (January 20, 2020) by focusing on the archetypical presence of Pinocchio in his films. The presentation will include images and several clips from Fellini’s films that aim to show elements of what could be termed the "Pinocchio effect" or the so-called Peter Pan syndrome in contrast to the “eternal child”. From his first film, “Lo sceicco bianco” (White Sheik, 1952), to his last, “La voce della luna” (The Voice of the Moon, 1990), many of Fellini’s main characters struggle to cast off the shell of adolescence, and aspire to affirm the eternal child. Join us Tuesday, December 15 at 7pm. RSVP required—limited capacity.

Join us for the Final Date of Club del Libro in 2020
From the salons of the 18th century to the social reading of 2020, the literary circle is a time-honoured practice, which promotes culture and being together. Our book club is an opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian. Club del Libro continues the literary adventure with part four of The Neapolitan Novels, “Storia della bambina perduta/The Story of the Lost Child” by famous and pseudonymous Italian novelist, Elena Ferrante. Join us Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00pm. Books can be read in both English and Italian. RSVP required.
 
Columbus Early Learning Centres Still Open for Registration
Spaces are still available at all of our Columbus Early Learning Centre locations. For more than 30 years, we have provided the highest quality of child care to those within our community between the ages of 18 months and 12 years. We are proud to offer diverse, engaging services that reflect the values on which we were founded. Columbus Early Learning Centres are taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of the children, families, and our staff. We are following the guidelines from the Ministry of Education, City of Toronto, and Toronto Public Health.

Register for the Virtual Workshops in our [Re]Connected Seniors Tech Project
[Re]Connected Seniors is a digital learning project by Villa Charities, funded in part by the Government of Canada and United Way of Greater Toronto. [Re]Connected Seniors has initialized an iPad lending library within Villa Charities’ apartments for seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto, Casa Abruzzo) and has also launched a series of virtual workshops to improve the digital literacy of seniors throughout the GTA! To book a place in one of the workshops, contact Matteo Brera at reconnect@villacharities.com or by phone at 416-789-7011 ext. 333.
 
Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with the CEO
You can have a virtual meeting with Anthony DiCaita, 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 Anthony 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 are scheduled for Friday, December 11 and Friday, January 8, 2021. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.
Villa Charities is Looking for Board Members!
The Villa Charities Board of Directors is currently seeking new members who are accomplished leaders in their fields and will be strategic leaders for the organization, playing a key role in driving our mission’s impact even further. New Board Members will be passionate about Italian culture and help shape a vision for the future of Villa Charities and our place within a diverse and multi-cultural Canadian society. The deadline to apply is December 31.
 
On-Site Operations for Villa Charities and Columbus Centre Continue to be Suspended
Please be advised that following the direction from the Ontario government and public health authorities, on-site operations at Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre are currently suspended. Online programs and services continue to be offered. For full details, visit our COVID-19 Updates page.
 
Hon. Marco Mendicino Shares Holiday Greeting
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence, the Honourable Marco Mendicino recently shared a holiday greeting for everyone in the Villa Charities family, with warm wishes for health and happiness. Click on the image or the link below to watch the video message now.

Virtual Class in Partnership with Eataly: Orecchiette Con Cime Di Rape Making Class
Join us on Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00pm as Eataly Toronto hosts a virtual class on how to make Orecchiette Con Cime Di Rape. In this class you will learn how to knead semolina pasta dough and form orecchiette pasta shapes while making a traditional Apulian sauce made with fresh broccoli rabes - a perfect dressing for the orecchiette! RSVP required. Proceeds from the class will go towards Villa Charities’ COVID-19 Response Initiatives, helping to fund our holiday comfort packages as well as the costs of enhanced safety measures in our facilities. Also, if you visit Eataly Toronto during their Panettone Days promotion from December 11 – 13, you can make a donation to Villa Charities.
 
You Can Still Donate to Send Holiday Baskets to our Seniors
Thank you to all who donated on #GivingTuesday. Thanks to the generous support of our community, we raised $4,300 in support of Holiday Baskets for Seniors! If you did not get a chance to donate, it’s not too late. Donate now and help Villa Charities, in partnership with CIBPA Toronto, spread a little holiday cheer to our seniors at Casa Abruzzo, Caboto Terrace and Casa Del Zotto. Your generous donation will send a message of joy and hope this holiday season and remind our seniors that we are all in this together.
 
Live Virtual Group Fitness Classes Continue with the Columbus Centre Athletic Club
Finish the year off strong! Our Virtual Group Fitness classes are the perfect workout from home with certified instructors to motivate you every step of the way. Missed a workout? Members also have access to our entire virtual library, which features previous classes. Classes are available to members and non-members with a monthly membership fee of only $24.99 + HST. For more information, visit our website and register today.
 
DanzArts Toronto Continues to Offer Adult Ballet Classes Online
Have you ever dreamed of learning ballet? Ballet is a form of dance that opens the doors to many other styles. Practice the grace and elegance of this highly technical form of dance. Develop strength, flexibility and endurance for the proper performance of ballet while also learning the importance of creating beautiful lines, form and ballet posture. All are welcome to try this beautiful style of dance and no previous dance experience is required.
 
Villa Colombo is Looking for Board Members!
Are you interested in getting involved and making a difference in the support and care we provide for our Seniors? At Villa Colombo Toronto our vision is to be “Our community’s trusted provider of exceptional care”. The challenges facing Healthcare require leaders with a broad set of skills to help guide the organization through a period of profound system change while preserving and enhancing the quality of life we provide for our residents. The deadline to apply is December 31.