Welcome Back to Villa Charities and to a New Season of Programs and Events
Welcome back ! All of us at Villa Charities are thrilled to reopen our doors to you , and we ’ re delighted to resume our programming , activities and events .
As we usher in the fall and winter seasons , you ’ ll notice that this guide has been fully redesigned . While the look is different , you ’ ll still find many of your favourite offerings along with a lineup of new programs and events .
Committed to the Safety of the Villa Charities Community Another important set of changes we ’ ve introduced are new protocols and procedures at the Columbus Centre and all Villa Charities facilities to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 . The new practices , established in accordance with public health recommendations and provincial guidelines , reflect our commitment to keeping you , your family members and our staff safe so that everyone can continue to enjoy the many programs and services we offer .
I encourage you to review our “ Protocols and Procedures ” Digital Guide , where you ’ ll find a summary of the measures we have put in place . You can find the guide on our website at
villacharities . com .
Great New Programs and Events for Fall and Winter We ’ re excited to introduce a full lineup of new programs and events spanning cultural arts , athletics , language , art , theatre and more . They include Bliss Yoga and TRX ® circuit training at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club ; Adult Tap classes for beginners at DanzArts Toronto ; and our popular “ Learn Italian by Doing ” language classes , now offered both online and in-person . Learning options include our new " Club del Libro " series and private classes customized to meet your interests , learning objectives and requirements . journeys through seven decades of Federico Fellini and his filmography , commemorating the Maestro ’ s 100th birthday .
Our superb Diaspora Series will offer new presentations and installations exploring Italian culture , heritage , society and influences . The series will include readings and presentations by two authors – Rosanna Lo Presti for her book “ Ritorno alle Origini ” and Eufemia Fantetti for her book “ My Father , Fortune-tellers & Me : A Memoir ".
Back by popular demand , “ The Nonna Monologues ” returns for a limited engagement following a sold-out run in 2019 . Created by acclaimed theatre company DopoLavoro Teatrale and director Daniele Bartolini , the production features two talented performers who delight the audience with their epic Nonna stories and compete for the honour of being voted as the winner of a hilarious ‘ Nonna challenge ’.
With great anticipation , we invite you to join us in celebrating the Columbus Centre ’ s 40th anniversary this October . The celebrations will include the “ 40 Under Forty ” exhibition at the Joseph D . Carrier Art Gallery featuring works by 40 young Ontario-based artists , all born after the Columbus Centre was established . We are also excited to present a special 40th Anniversary collage by accomplished multimedia artist Franco Berti . The work , specially commissioned by Villa Charities , will serve as a memorable and welcoming symbol for the Columbus Centre community .
We ’ re excited to introduce each of these new experiences to you . This year , after the long COVID-19 shutdown , we ’ re just as excited to bring back our regular programming in Italian culture , dance , theatre , art , language , athletics and more . I encourage you to explore the offerings listed in this guide , and look forward to seeing you on the Villa Charities campus this fall and winter . We ’ re also resuming our popular Cultural Tuesdays program with engaging new presentations on Bellini , Vecellio , Veronese , Tintoretto and other famous Italian painters through the ages ; the culinary traditions of Italian Jews , from iconic Italian dishes created by Italy ’ s oldest Jewish communities to traditional Italian recipes adapted to Jewish holidays ; and a new lecture series that
Sincerely ,
Anthony DiCaita President and CEO Villa Charities Inc .
FALL & WINTER 2020 / 21 | 3