Venice came to Toronto - Villa Charities

Pg. 2 

Villa Charities 

Pg. 4 

Villa Colombo 

Pg. 7 

Villa Colombo Vaughan 

Di Poce Centre 

Pg. 8 

Centro Scuola 

Pg. 11 

Carrier Gallery 

Pg. 13 

Columbus Centre 

Pg. 14 

VITA 

The past chairs of the Venetian Ball, from L-R: Mauro Baldassarra, Jim DeGasperis, Lina DeGasperis, Rudy Bratty, Anna Eliopoulos, Gloria Di Giovanni, 

Cathie Bratty, Angela Baldassarra, Carlo Baldassarra, Elvio DelZotto, Marlene DelZotto, Franco Palladini, Wendy Switzer Myles, Senator Trevor Eyton, 

Sandra Belvedere and Toni Varone. 

Venice came to Toronto 

The who’s who were out in full force on October 

10, 2008 as the Fairmont Royal York was transformed 

into a Venetian paradise for the 15th anniversary 

Venetian Ball. This year’s gala was presented by CIBC 

– who has been supporting The 

Venetian Ball and Villa Charities for 

decades, a true testament to the 

company’s giving spirit and 

commitment to the communities in 

which they do business. 

Over 800 guests dined on a 

gourmet meal prepared by Royal 

York’s Executive Chef David 

Garcelon, danced to the music 

stylings of Hollywood-based 

Impulse Band and delighted in the 

surprise operatic performance by 

this year’s Honourary Patron Chair, 

Paul Sorvino. 

By the end of the night, $600,000 was raised 

for the Villa Charities family of organizations. 

Organizing this year’s extravaganza and leading 

the dedicated group of volunteers and staff was Gloria 

Di Giovanni, of CIBC, who chaired the 2008 Venetian 

Ball along with Patron Chair, Mr. Rudy Bratty. 

“The Venetian Ball is one of this city’s most timehonoured 

traditions and preeminent fundraising 

Gloria Di Giovanni, of CIBC, Chair of the 

2008 Venetian Ball with Honourary Patron 

Chair, Paul Sorvino. 

events,” said Ms. Di Giovanni. “I am honoured to 

have been part of this year’s event and am truly 

touched by the community’s unwavering support for 

an organization that is very close to my heart.” 

Christmas 

2008 

Adding further excitement to 

this year’s celebration, entertainment 

was provided by Hollywood dance 

band sensation, Impulse. The band 

performed a variety of repertoire from 

doo wop to classic rock, disco, funk, 

contemporary and international 

music including songs by Andrea 

Bocelli. Impulse recently performed 

in California for Oprah Winfrey and 

at the wedding reception for Tom 

Cruise and Katie Holmes. 

This year’s Live Auction really 

got the crowd fired up with one-ofa-kind 

items, including a private 

pool party for 20 at the Bratty family estate catered 

by Mark McEwan and a rare trip for 2 to Rome 

Fashion Week. 

The celebrations continued with two fantastic 

raffle draws. The first for an exclusive Cartier raffle 

– James Di Luca was the lucky winner who walked 

away with a Monica Bellucci necklace and a 

Marcello de Cartier leather handbag. And Nick Sgro 

was the lucky (Cont’d in Report to Donors, page 1)

Villa Charities 

VILLA CHARITIES INC. 

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 

PAST CHAIR 

Dino Chiesa 

CHAIR 

Nick Torchetti 

VICE CHAIR 

Nina Perfetto 

TREASURER 

Mark Di Vito 

SECRETARY 

Aldo Cundari 

GOVERNORS 

Nick Ametrano 

Paul Bottos 

Rudolph P. Bratty 

Ken Cancellara 

Sam Ciccolini 

Enzo Cuttini 

Lisa Damiani 

Lucia Favret 

Mario Giampietri 

Robert Martella 

Edward Mancinelli 

Nick Manocchio 

Paul Mior 

Brian Narine 

Grace Palumbo-Eremita 

Nick Sgro 

Joseph Tanzola 

Carla Tatangelo 

Rina Tiberini 

PRESIDENT & CEO 

Pal Di Iulio 

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 

Ugo Di Federico 

Pub #40013194 

Return undeliverable 

Canadian addresses to: 

Villa Charities Newsletter 

901 Lawrence Ave.W. 

Toronto, Ont M6A 1C3 

2 ❘ Villa Charities Newsletter 

COMMUNITY CORNER: 

Camarra’s – Fabulous at Fifty 

Over a pizza at Camarra’s almost 40 years ago, 

Pal Di Iulio (now President and CEO, Villa Charities 

Inc.) and businessman Anthony Fusco discussed the 

idea of a culturally sensitive home for Italian 

Canadian seniors in the 

neighbourhood. Out of 

this and many other table 

talks, Villa Colombo was 

born shortly after, paving 

the way for Villa 

Charities’ growth and 

expansion. 

Now, almost 4 

decades later, another 

landmark at Dufferin and 

Lawrence is celebrating a 

milestone – Camarra’s 

Pizzeria and Restaurant 

celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 26, 

2008, kicking off a year of activities. 

“I feel truly blessed to be celebrating this 

anniversary,” states Emilia Camarra Valentini, the 

daughter of President Elisa Camarra Valentini. “The 

years have been full of great experiences, but also 

great sacrifice. Through it all, our strength lies in 

part to our staff and our loyal customers, but most 

of all, to my mother, who has been the backbone of 

the business for thirty years.” 

Camarra’s was founded in 1933 in Abruzzo, 

Italy by Oreste and Domenica Camarra. Once their 

children were grown, the family decided to move to 

Toronto in March of 1958. In September of that 

same year, at a time when Toronto had only one 

other pizzeria, daughters Elisa and Domenica along 

with their brother Livio, opened Camarra’s. Since 

1969, the restaurant has been under Elisa’s direction 

and it has been consistently listed as one of 

Toronto’s best Italian restaurants. 

In Memoriam 

As we go to print, we are saddened by the news of the passing of 

Elio Rosati at the age of 94. For over half a century, Mr. Rosati and his 

family have selflessly supported the community and the Villa Charities 

family of organizations. 

“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I extend my sincere 

condolences to Mrs. Rosati and the entire family,” states Nick Torchetti, 

Chair, Villa Charities Inc. “The people served by Villa Charities are 

living better lives because of the quiet dedication and passionate 

commitment made by Elio and Jackie Rosati - Grazie.” 

Fifty years later, they are still going strong. 

After a blowout event on the official anniversary 

date, the team at Camarra’s has planned an entire 

year full of special events, themed evenings and 

outdoor festas. A 

portion of the proceeds 

raised at these 

anniversary celebrations 

will be split among three 

charities – Villa 

Charities being one of 

them. 

“When it came time 

to choose our charitable 

partners for our 

anniversary celebrations, 

there was no question in 

our minds that we 

would approach Villa Charities,” states Emilia. 

“Villa Charities and their Dufferin and Lawrence 

campus has been part of our lives for over 30 years, 

it’s part of the neighbourhood in which we live and 

work - it’s a part of us.” 

The work carried out by the Villa Charities 

family of organizations, and the unique brand of 

culturally sensitive care pioneered by the founders 

all those years ago, is a great sense of pride for the 

Camarra family. 

“I truly believe that Villa Charities is the most 

beautiful expression of our community,” explains 

Emilia. “It’s extraordinary that the organization, 

which began as an idea thought of by civic-minded 

people, keeps going, continues to grow. It’s an 

incredible gift for the city of Toronto, and beyond.” 

For more information on the anniversary 

celebrations, visit www.camarra.com.

History that was told 

Actors Alex Karolyi (Maria) and Mike Mastrandrea (Cenzo) in Shadowpath’s production of Paradise by the River. 

(Photo: Greg King) 

Thanks to the hard work, determination and persistence of the members of 

Shadowpath Theatre Productions, the production of Paradise by the River made 

it to stage in a powerful and moving production this past November. 

The play, by famous playwright Vittorio Rossi, tells the story of the 

internment of Italian-Canadians in Canada during the Second World War. The 

performances of all the actors moved the crowd and left the audience with new 

questions about their government. 

“I extend sincere congratulations to the members of Shadowpath – actors, 

producers, directors – for a job well done,” states Pal Di Iulio, President and 

CEO, Villa Charities. “Now, more people know this sad, but important story 

which is part of our collective Canadian history, but is of special importance to 

Italian-Canadians.” 

4 

Villa Charities Foundation 

Bellissimo! 

Villa Charities extends warm congratulations 

to 8-year old Joseph Bellissmo who represented 

Canada at the World Youth Chess Championship 

(WYCC) in Vietnam this past October. Aside 

from being a grade-A student, Joseph also 

clinched the top spot at the Canadian Youth 

Chess Championship held in Quebec City in July, 

advancing him to the international competition. 

Joseph represented the boys under 8 

category for Team Canada. He was the youngest 

player on the team and the only Italo-Canadian. 

An 

Afternoon 

Affair 

A Celebration of women, 

exclusively for women 

returns! 

Spring 2009 

Stay tuned 

for more details. 

Proceeds to: 

Villa Charities Newsletter ❘ 3

Villa Colombo Services for Seniors 

San Martino 

A San Martino ogni mosto diventa vino 

November is a time to enjoy the fruits of the crop - 

therefore, it was a perfect time to celebrate the feast of San 

Martino with wine and cheese. 

The feast of San Martino is an Italian tradition that takes 

place every year in the month of November. At this time, new 

wines made that year are ready to be savored along with the 

tasting of roasted chestnuts. This is an aperitivo for the spirit 

of Christmas and the preparation for the rigid Canadian 

winter ahead. 

On November 17th, 2008, residents of Villa Colombo 

gathered for their own San Martino celebrations. Residents 

enjoyed warm roasted chestnuts, a glass of red wine and 

pecorino cheese generosity donated by Cheese Boutique as 

they sang along to their favorite Italian folk songs and 

watched a live grape crushing demonstration, one of the first 

steps in making great tasting wine. 

“Celebrations such as San Martino are so important to 

our residents as many of them marked these feasts and 

traditions their entire lives,” states Fernando Scopa, Executive 

Director, Villa Colombo Services for Seniors. “This is just 

one of the many ways we endeavor to make our residents feel 

right at home here at the Villa.” 


Boo! 

Buon Compleanno! 

On November 14th, 2008, Giacomo 

Carcasole, Villa Colombo’s oldest resident, 

reached another milestone – his 104th 

birthday. Mr. Carcasole celebrated his 

special day surrounded by his close 

family, friends, staff and residents. 

Giacomo resides on the 2nd floor of the 

Villa and is an active member on Villa 

Colombo’s Resident’s Council. 

“On behalf of the Board of 

Governors, I extend sincere good wishes 

to Mr. Carcasole – Villa’s oldest resident,” 

states Enzo Cuttini, Chair, Villa Colombo 

Services for Seniors. “We have 8 

residents at Villa Colombo that are 100 

years of age and older – a number that 

keeps growing thanks to the high level of 

culturally sensitive care we provide.” 

Giacomo’s picture as well as all of the 

other centenarians can be found in our 

Villa Colombo Centenarian Club display, 

which is located in the main foyer. Come 

and see what a century looks like! 

Mr. Carcasole blows out the candles on his birthday cake. 

There was a spooky feeling in the halls of Villa 

Colombo this past Halloween as residents and staff 

dressed up as goblins and ghosts to celebrate this fun 

holiday together. 

The residents who dressed up had the opportunity to 

show off their costumes in front of 4 judges for a prize. 

Plus, staff and volunteers joined in the fun by 

parading through Sala Caboto in their costumes for the 

residents to enjoy. The lively event was a huge success 

and brought residents together as a way of socializing 

and celebrating. 

VILLA COLOMBO 

SERVICES FOR SENIORS 


PAST CHAIR 

Ralph Grittani 

CHAIR 

Enzo Cuttini 

1ST VICE CHAIR 

Grace Palumbo-Eremita 

2ND VICE CHAIR 

Nick Manocchio 

3RD VICE CHAIR 

Angelo Pesce 

TREASURER 

Robert Galati 

SECRETARY 

Santo Veltri 

GOVERNORS 

Rosanna Arduini 

Anna Carino 

Bill Clementi 

Luigi d’Ambrosio 

Ron Di Francesco 

Joseph J. Fusco 

Fr. Massey Lombardi 

Anthony Mangione 

Peter Santini 

Piero Suppa 

Joseph Tanzola 

Gabriella Tino 


Dr. Marisa Zorzitto 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

& CEO 

Fernando Scopa

VCLA 

The VCLA promotes Family, Food, Fun Faith and Fundraising for the ultimate benefit 

of the residents of Villa Colombo. 

Grazie in appreciation 

of life’s abundance 

On Sunday, October 26th, 2008, the 

Villa Colombo Ladies’ Auxiliary welcomed 

over 150 members and their families to the 

bi-annual Mass and Family Brunch at Sala 

Caboto Villa Colombo. 

Many residents and their families also 

attended this event. It was a joyful celebration 

of the theme: Grazie in appreciation of life’s 

abundance. 

“Father Celestino inspired us with his 

words during the celebration of Mass,” states 

Gabriella Tino, Chair, VCLA. “The thankful 

tone of the Mass continued during a delicious 

meal enjoyed with great camaraderie.” 

Appreciation goes out to Melina Zeppieri 

and the planning committee for their work in 

organizing this very successful event. 

Villa Colombo residents and their families enjoy the festivities and give thanks 

Fr. Celestino celebrates Mass. 

Join the Villa Colombo Ladies’ Auxiliary and be part of a dynamic group of dedicated volunteers who 

share their time and love, fundraising for Villa Colombo. 

Please call our office at (416)789-2113 ext 2260, or visit us at www.villacharities.com. 

Villa Colombo Services for Seniors 

VILLA COLOMBO LADIES’ AUXILIARY 


PAST PRESIDENT 

Camille Mainelli 

PRESIDENT 

Gabriella Tino 

1ST VICE PRESIDENT 

Frances Gratta 

2ND VICE PRESIDENT 

Marisa Celenza 

TREASURER 

Rita Rotundo 

ASSISTANT TREASURER 

Maria Jose Silva 

GENERAL SECRETARY 

Mara Busca 

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY 

Rose Greco 

ASSISTANT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARIES 

Lucy Zampiero 

and Melina Zeppieri 

DIRECTORS 

Josie Cuda 

Olivia De Miglio 

Louisa Dobilas 

Jan Grossi 

Maura Miranda 

Carmela Rotolo 

Sandra Scorsolini-Bernardo 

Connie Vella-MacKay 

Mary Venditti 

HONOURARY BOARD MEMBER 

Antoinette Ciccarelli 

Resources for 

our community 

The Resource Centre, 

located in the Fidani Wing, 

Villa Colombo, is open to 

the public. Visit us to: 

• Get a library card to borrow 

Italian magazines, videos 

and books on aging and 

senior care 

• Learn about different 

programs and services 

available for your aging 

loved one 

• Surf the web on one of four 

shared computers 

• Volunteer your time to help 

us run the centre 

Hours of operation: 

Mon., Wed., Thur. & Sat: 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Tues. and Fri.: 

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

For more information, please 

call 416-789-2113 ext. 2234. 


Villa Colombo Vaughan Di Poce Centre 

VILLA COLOMBO VAUGHAN 


HONOURARY CHAIR 

Fred DeGasperis 

CHAIR 

Sam Ciccolini 


Rina Tiberini 


Edward Mancinelli 

TREASURER 

Stephen Shulman 

SECRETARY 

Lorraine Bortolussi 

GOVERNORS 

Quinto Annibale 

Anthony Baldassarra 

Carla DeGasperis 

Michelina Di Carlo 

Enzo Di Iorio 

Ben Soave 


Dr. Fabio Varlese 

ACTING ADMINISTRATOR 

Valeria DeSimone 

Villa Charities Newsletter ❘ 6 

Going beyond the call 

of duty 

The recipients of this year’s Maria Di Salvo Compassionate 

Care Award all have one thing in common – their commitment 

to the residents at Villa Colombo Vaughan is extraordinary. 

This year’s award recipients are: Mirella Perri, Merlinda 

Toma, Maria Santos and Mario Nunez. 

The awards were given out at a special ceremony held at 

Villa Colombo Vaughan, which was attended by over 50 guests. 

On hand to present the award was Mrs. Di Salvo’s daughter 

Lina DeGasperis and Sam Ciccolini, Chair of Villa Colombo 

Vaughan 

Over 40 nominations were submitted by residents, families 

and staff recognizing staff compassionate care and positive 

attitude. 

Villa Colombo Vaughan distinguishes itself with the 

culturally sensitive care administered by knowledgeable, caring 

and hardworking staff. 

In order to recognize staff who go above and beyond the 

call of duty, the Maria Di Salvo Compassionate Care Award was 

established. The award, named after Villa Colombo Vaughan’s 

first resident, the late Maria Di Salvo, will be presented each 

year to staff members who, in caring for residents, consistently 

demonstrate compassionate care, superior customer service and 

are considered a positive role model for other colleagues. 

“Our residents and their families are truly blessed to have 

such outstanding staff who, on a daily basis, go that extra mile 

to ensure a high quality of care,” states Sam Ciccolini, Chair, 

Villa Colombo Vaughan. 

L-R: Merlinda Toma, Mirella Perri, Mario Nunez and Maria Santos 

Recognition 

from the 

Italian 

Government 

Family, friends, residents and 

admirers gathered together on the 

evening of November 12th, 2008 at 

Villa Colombo Vaughan to celebrate 

Sam Ciccolini’s acceptance of the 

Commander of the Order of the Star 

of Solidarity Medal. 

The Order of the Star of the 

Italian Solidarity, instituted in 1947, is 

the most ancient honour of the 

Republic and is bestowed upon 

Italians and foreign nationals who 

have given a meaningful contribution 

to the cultural prestige of Italy. 

Consul General Dr. Gianni 

Bardini presided over the ceremony 

and then took an official tour of Villa 

Colombo Vaughan. 

Auguri Sam! 

Consul General Gianni Bardini, Sam’s mother 

Filomena and wife Donna watch proudly from the 

crowd.

Green with envy 

Villa Colombo Vaughan and Global 

Architects were presented with the 

Environmental Green Award of Merit at 

the City of Vaughan 2008 Urban Design 

Awards on November 12th, 2008. 

According to the City of Vaughan, the 

purpose of the Awards is to recognize and 

promote local development initiatives that 

exemplify excellence in urban design, 

architecture, landscape architecture and 

environmental stewardship in the City. 

Villa Colombo Vaughan is the first 

Villa Colombo Vaughan Di Poce Centre 

long-term care facility in Ontario to 

commission a natural gas-fired Combined 

Heat and emergency Power (CHeP) system. 

The natural gas-fired CHeP 

technology offers a combined on-site 

generation solution that allows for 

simultaneous production of electricity and 

heat for the facility. What makes this 

project unique is that the system will 

provide secure, uninterrupted emergency 

standby power generation. 

The Urban Awards jurors’ report 

�� 

noted: “The jury unanimously concurred 

that the project’s sustainability features are 

what stand out most here and are worthy 

of distinction.” 

“We are honoured to have been 

presented with this prestigious award 

from the City of Vaughan,” states Sam 

Ciccolini, Chair, Villa Colombo Vaughan. 

“Our commitment to providing our 

residents with the best possible culturally 

sensitive care in an environmentally 

friendly facility truly makes Villa Colombo 

Vaughan an exceptional place.” 


Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana 

Words and Music 

On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the Carrier Art Gallery 

in the Columbus Centre rang with artful piano music, song, and 

words of poetry and 

thoughtful prose as Centro 

Scuola and Columbus Centre 

hosted a very special literary 

evening. Pal Di Iulio was the 

MC, his third event on the 

same night. Busy as he is, he 

made time to introduce his old 

friend Caroline Morgan Di 

Giovanni, to read from her 

first published book of poetry. 

The book is entitled Looking at 

Renaissance Paintings and Other 

Poems (Quattro Books: 2008). 

To set the tone, pianist 

Anatoliy Ivchenko played two 

songs by the Baroque master 

Archangelo Corelli. After 

Caroline’s part, poems were 

read by Barbara Landry and 

Rob Rolfe, whose books were also published this Fall in the 

Quattro Books New Poets Series. 

The Schola Cantorum, Centro Scuola’s famed children’s 

choir, will perform their Christmas Concert on Sunday, 

December 14, 2008, at 3:00 

PM, in the auditorium of 

Cardinal Carter Academy for 

the Arts, 36 Greenfield Avenue 

(at Yonge and Sheppard). 

Excitement is building for 

this family entertainment, sure 

to please parents, 

grandparents, brothers and 

sisters, and friends of the 50 

singers who make up the 

choir. Participants work hard 

all year, preparing for this 

special event by practicing 

every Saturday morning in two 

locations: Dante Academy in 

North York, and Fr. John Kelly 

School in York Region. 


Caroline Morgan DiGiovanni poses with Lee d’Anjou at the Evening of Words and Music. 

The Schola Cantorum Directors are Angelina Gulla, Danielle 

Then for a change of pace, singer Janet Smith sang the 

haunting “Vola, Colomba”, a song that won the San Remo 

Festival in 1953. 

This prepared the 

capacity audience for Caterina 

Edwards reading from her 

new book, finding rosa 

(Greystrone Books: 2008). 

This memoir describes her 

journey as a daughter caring 

for her aging mother in the 

late stages of Alzheimers, but 

at the same time discovering 

the history of the Italian 

population in Istria. Many 

people in the audience were 

from the Fruili Venezia Guilia 

region, keen to hear more 

about their homeland. 

The evening concluded 

with a second nostalgic song, 

“Non ti scordar di me,” performed by Ms. Smith, accompanied 

by Mr. Ivchenko. 

Concerto di Natale - 

The Christmas Concert of the Schola Cantorum 

Students perform in the 2007 concert which wowed guests and got everyone in the 

Christmas spirit. 

MacMillan, and Jessica Scarlato, with assistance from Natalie 

Ciarallo. 

Also on the program for 

the Christmas Concert will be 

dances performed by students 

of the Columbus Centre 

Dance Program, taught by 

Sabrina Chieffallo. 

In a special guest 

appearance, members of the 

Orpheus Choir of Toronto, 

under the direction of Robert 

Cooper, will perform 

traditional seasonal music, 

including the famous Alleluia 

Chorus from Handel’s 

Messiah. 

Tickets for the Concerto 

di Natale can be purchased through the choirs and the dance 

classes.

Mostra del Presepe 

Beginning the week of December 8, 2008 to January 11, 

2009, the annual display of presepi (nativity scenes), will be 

open for visits by the public. Located in the Carrier Art Gallery 

(Upper Gallery), this extensive display always attracts groups of 

children from local schools, as well as seniors and their families. 

The unique collection of carved, ceramic, terracotta, and 

papier mâché figures represent the story of the birth of Christ set in 

miniature landscapes resembling various regions of Italy as well as 

Mexico, Tanzania, Bethlehem, and other places around the world. 

Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana 

Working with Gallery coordinator Rosa Graci, a team of staff 

from Centro Scuola including Patrizia Zembelli, Lucia Papini and 

student helpers put together the 30 different scenes. The result is 

always enchanting, keeping the tradition alive for hundreds of 

families who remember the joy of creating the presepio every 

year, a tradition attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. 

For more information contact the Carrier Art Gallery at 

416-789-7011 ext. 300. 


Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery 

Eva Siroka: Seeing Still Life 

Eva Siroka’s exhibit at the Carrier Art Gallery moves to the 

Lower Gallery where it will be on display into the New Year. 

According to her biography: As an artist, Eva Jana Siroka 

remains deeply attached to her training as a historian of 

Renaissance and Baroque art. Yet her fascination for Picasso’s 

and Matisse’s paintings remains as firm as 35 years ago when she 

first admired them. Her current exhibition focuses on the 

numerous ways a still life can be seen by an artist, especially 

through the elements of design, colour, and light. The manner 

in which each piece is framed provides an additional reflection, 

with two identical scenes evoking diverging sentiments. 

Gagliato - revisited 

Father and daughter team Nicola and Stephanie Gareri will 

once again present an intimate look at this small town in 

Calabria through black and white photographs in the Carrier Art 

Gallery in December. 


(Artist detail) 

The majority of the paintings exhibited depict objects Siroka has 

collected over the years, especially glass, crystal, china, porcelain and 

maiolica. She is intimately linked to them, not only as a collector, 

but also as a historian and artist. Flowers, as countless sources of 

inspiration and design, are also an inherent part of the artist’s life, and 

further enrich this genre. 

Siroka is also an accomplished author, among her notable 

works is the book Maddalena. 

Eva Siroka: Seeing Still Life runs to January 12, 2009 in the 

Carrier Art Gallery. 

The exhibit was originally on display in September, 

however, due to popular demand, the artists have decided to 

bring the show back once more. 

Gagliato runs to January 2009 in the Columbus Centre lobby. 



(Artist detail)

Destinations 

The work of four distinct artists took visitors on a trip 

around the world this past November in the Carrier Art Gallery’s 

Lower Gallery. 

The show entitled “Destinations” featured paintings and 

photographs by Kim Atkins, Anthony Batten, Heidi Burkhardt 

Nativity Scenes from 

Around the World 

December 8, 2008 to 

January 11, 2009 

Upper Gallery 

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery 

and Maurice Snelgrove. Each artist painted on location in 

various countries around the world, as well as various parts of 

Canada. Exotic locales included Sri Lanka, France, Italy and 

Mexico. 

Show ran to December 5. 

Upcoming Exhibits at the Carrier Gallery 

Photography Exhibit 

Sheldon Little 

and Igor Dubosarski 

February 3, 2009 to 

March 2, 2009 

Maurice Snelgrove (Artist detail) 

Kim Atkins (Artist detail) 

An Exhibit by 

John Cutruzzola 

April 3, 2009 to 

May 4, 2009 

Lower Gallery 

For more information on upcoming or past exhibits 

or to purchase any works, please contact Rosa Graci, 

Carrier Gallery, 416-789-7011 ext. 300 

rgraci@villacharities.com. 

Tony Batten (Artist detail) 


Heidi Burkhardt (Artist detail)


Meet the Team 

Columbus Centre Athletic Facility boasts almost 5,000 

members – each with their own varied physical fitness needs. 

Such diversity requires specialized care and attention. That’s 

where Personal Trainers come in. Each of these individuals 

accurately assess their clients to ensure needs are met, goals are 

attained and harmony is met between mind, body and soul. 

Contact Kostas Tzigas at 416-789-7011 ext. 243 to start 

working with one of Columbus Centre’s personal trainers today! 


Kostas Tzigas - Columbus Centre Personal 

Training Coordinator 

Kosta’s has been working for Columbus Centre 

for 14 years and involved with the fitness health 

recreational industry for over 25 years with all 

the necessary certifications. “I believe all exercises 

must be safe, executed with the right form, and 

with the right challenge.” 

Gabriella Lalli - “I believe the human body is 

not designed to be sedentary - humans are 

designed to move and when activity is decreased 

function is also decreased. Whether you are 

running a marathon, fighting diabetes, or just 

want to lose weight, the personal trainers at 

Columbus Centre can help you achieve your 

goals.” 

Igor Dubosarski - Igor has 25 years of 

experience working in a variety of fields in 

the physical training industry and has been at 

Columbus Centre since 2002. He has worked 

in personal training, rehabilitation, 

conditioning training, body building and 

weight lifting. 

Dimitri Dhjaku - “My philosophy is Mens sana 

corpore sano (Sound mind, Sound body). My 

personal training programs are dedicated to 

helping you reach higher levels of fitness that 

could not be achieved independently by 

improving your cardiovascular system, muscular 

strength and endurance, flexibility, and further 

improvements of your body composition.” 

Maureen Tartick - “If you are looking for 

motivation and fresh methods to improve 

your fitness or change your body shape - 

make the most of your time and start 

personal training with me. You won’t regret it.” 

Sandra Florio - “By combining personal 

training with my extensive knowledge of 

nutrition, I am able to tailor an 

individualized exercise and nutritional 

protocol that will effectively achieve your 

desired results.” 

Lawrence Grecchi - Lawrence has been 

proud to serve at the Columbus Centre for 8 

years in a dual capacity. He runs the Tennis 

Programmes in the summer months and as a 

personal trainer in the winter months. 

Kostas Balasis - “My philosophy is simple yet 

profound: All people have an optimum level 

of fitness. If your goal is better sports 

performance, better health, improved looks 

through weight loss or muscle gain, or injury 

rehabilitation, there is a level of fitness that is 

exactly right for you. Let me help you find 

solutions to your healthy needs and wants.” 

Gary Toste - “My approach is to be caring, 

fun and intensive. I help to encourage and 

challenge my clients on strengthening their 

fitness – be it through weight loss or toning 

– to achieve a steady, healthy lifestyle. By 

training with me, you can reach your goals 

quicker and more effectively.” 

Joseph Martino - “I am eager to put my 

skills and knowledge of the profession into 

action so you can leave the health club with 

a positive and fulfilling experience.” 

Ioana Cazacu - “Good overall fitness enables us to 

do more, to feel energetic; it boosts our confidence, 

and from that, we develop into fully realized 

independent individuals. My philosophy rooted in 

fundamental strength training principles, and I 

emphasize functional training and the development 

of core strength.”

COLUMBUS CENTRE OF TORONTO 


PAST CHAIR 


CHAIR 

Nick Sgro 


Robert D. Martella 


Karen Manarin 

TREASURER 

Stephen Pasquale 

SECRETARY 

Nick Ametrano 

GOVERNORS 

Joseph Barbieri 

Anthony Barbosa 

John Bozzo 

Ester Bucci 

Marianne Corigliano-Franco 

Armando Cristinziano 

Liana Flabiano 

Filomena Frisina 

Tony Genco 

Anna Iafrate 

Lenny Lombardi 

Mario Longo 

Susanna Ranalli-DeSantis 

Teresa Santoro 

Jason Sordi 

PRESIDENT & CEO 

Pal Di Iulio 

ADMINISTRATOR 

Ugo Di Federico 

The Columbus Centre Board is 

also responsible for the Joseph D. 

Carrier Art Gallery 

RISTORANTE 

BOCCACCIO 

2009 THEME NIGHTS 

The tour of Italy 

continues as 

Ristorante Boccaccio 

plans another series 

of authentic 

regional dinner tours. 

The fixed price menu 

includes regional wines: 

PIEMONTE 

JANUARY 23, 2009 

GIRO D’ITALIA 

FEBRUARY 27, 2009 

LAZIO 

APRIL 3, 2009 

For more information or 

to make reservations, please call 

(416) 789-5555 


MOBILIZEYOUTH: Motivating our Youth 

Today for a Healthy Tomorrow By Dina Lieberman 

Just this past summer, the MobilizeYouth 

Boot Camp saw the great results of six and a half 

hour days of intense physical activity and a strict 

nutrition lunch program: inches came off, weight 

was lost, and self-confidence was restored in 

many our kids and teens 

who worked very hard. 

Now in our second year 

at the Columbus Centre, 

we have gotten off to a 

very good start – our 

third after school and 

weekend season overall. 

Building on that 

experience, we have much 

to share with parents who 

come to us worried about 

their child’s growing weight and inertia. We see 

parents who sincerely want to help their child 

who has low self-esteem, spends almost no time 

in some physical activity, or doesn’t have the 

stamina to keep up in gym at school or in after 

school dance or sports. 

We tell parents that we can stop the weight 

gain, build strength and stamina, and motivate 

their child or teenager to become more aware of 

what it takes to be healthy, but the rest is up to 

families to make the real changes for their child 

and themselves. We know that lifestyle change 

does not happen overnight. For parents who want 

a quick fix, we say that focusing only on weight 

loss sets kids up for failure. 

It is well documented that weight loss 

Viva Viva La Befana! 

Discover how to celebrate and share Italian 

culture with your bambini at the 2nd annual La 

Befana Brunch. 

Join us on Sunday, January 11th, 2009 at Sala 

Caboto – Villa Colombo for a fun-filled 

afternoon including lively music, good 

food and a variety of events geared 

towards children such as face painting, 

storytelling, crafts, as well as a silent auction. 

Plus, La Befana herself will visit to hand out treats 

and take photos with the children. 

Last year’s event at the Columbus Centre brought 

joy to all who attended – and what a turn out it was! 

That’s why this year the organizing committee 

decided to move to a bigger venue at Villa Colombo. 

happens over time when parents put into practice 

what they learn in Suzanne’s meal planning 

sessions and make sure that their kids attend 

every fitness session – or at least a minimum of 

twice a week – that’s when we see real progress. A 

long-term commitment 

on the part of the family 

with an overweight child 

is absolutely essential 

despite the cost, the time 

it takes to drive to the 

program and the firm 

resolve to commit to 

regular attendance. 

Otherwise, change just 

doesn’t happen. 

The strength of our 

program is that it also reinforces new attitudes for 

many of our young participants. A whole new 

experience towards achieving good health is opened 

up which will not likely be forgotten as they mature. 

Columbus Centre provides the perfect 

backdrop to healthy living as it encourages and 

welcomes our moms and dads to work out while 

their kids are in the program and offers a range of 

well-maintained fitness facilities. Our kids love 

the Centre! 

Parents can write up to $500 through the 

Children’s Physical Activity Tax Credit, or up to 

half through nutrition counselling benefits at work. 

Please call the Membership Office at 

416-789-7011 ext. 212 for further information. 

“We anticipate an even bigger turnout this year 

than last, which shows the popularity of the event 

and community’s commitment to keep Italian culture 

and customs alive,” states Marianne Corigliano, 

Chair, La Befana Brunch. 

All proceeds from the event will go towards 

purchasing educational centres for the Columbus 

Children’s Centre, which recently 

expanded to three locations – Columbus 

Centre, Casa DelZotto and Casa Abruzzo. 

Tickets are $35 per adult; $15 per child; 

children under 2 are free. 

For more information or to purchase tickets visit 

www.villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 302 


VITA Community Living Services 

Janet: Growing On 

What can be said about Janet Taylor? She is 

a very energetic, passionate and strong willed 

woman. Janet has been a member of VITA’s 

community since 1996. During her journey at 

VITA, she became a leader in inspiring others to 

join her in the Handicapable Ministry program 

that is run by Thornhill United Church. 

Janet also reached her full potential of 

discovering her talents and transforming them 

into part-time work through VITA’s work 

experience program as well as the Vaughan Day 

Program. At the end of this year’s summer, 

Janet embarked on a new journey. 

“Her growth throughout the past year has 

been phenomenal. Janet has gone beyond the 

expectations she set out for herself and 

progressed in a way that has made her family 

and friends extremely proud of her,” states 

Manuela Dalla Nora, Executive Director, VITA 

Community Living Services. 

Beyond staying strong during a family 

crisis, Janet has managed to overcome her fears 

and anxieties by moving out of her parent’s 

home and participating in a new day program. 

Success Story: Antonella 

Antonella moved 

into Umbria, one of 

VITA’s residences, two 

years ago. She came 

with the goal of 

independence. After 

living at home with 

her family, Antonella 

decided that it was 

time for her to grow 

up, to become an 

adult woman, and to 

take her place in the 

world. Coming from a 

loving family, she 

wanted to find a place 

where she could welcome them, and make a 

home for herself. 

Her courageous decision led her to shape a 

life that fits her to a tee. She participates in the 

Work Exchange and, through that program, she 

has landed two part - time jobs – one at Shoppers 

Drug Mart and the other at Canadian Tire. As 

befits her goal of independence, she asked to 

learn how to make healthy, nutritious lunches, 


“Janet has made a great impact and touches 

the lives of all the people she has crossed paths 

with in one way or another,” continues Dalla 

Nora. “We expect her to keep on growing!” 

Written by: Sarah Lomoro & Maria 

Guevara, Vaughan Day Program. 

and she proudly takes 

her designer meals to 

work with her. Her 

big dream, though, 

has always been to 

take a big vacation. 

She achieved that 

dream this past winter 

when she, like 

thousands of 

Canadians, escaped a 

harsh winter for 

Florida, where she 

embarked on a 

weeklong Caribbean 

cruise. Well, if you are 

going to dream – dream big. Antonella came back 

from the cruise to a home she loves, jobs that she 

finds satisfying, and a desire to think up a new 

dream destination. 

VITA is proud to be the place where 

Antonella chooses to live. It is an honour to be 

part of her life journey and to have the 

opportunity to watch as she lives a life that is 

made – like her lunch – to her own taste. 

A New 

Home on 

the Net! 

Accessibility is the name 

of the game. Staff at VITA 

has heard for a couple of 

years that people have had 

some difficulty finding 

information about VITA and 

Mens Sana as they had to 

navigate through the Villa 

Charities website. 

When looking at 

designing a new presence on 

the web, VITA and Mens 

Sana had three goals. First, 

continue to highlight the 

affiliation with Villa 

Charities and make 

connecting to Villa’s main 

page easily accessible to 

readers. Second, present the 

work of VITA and Mens 

Sana in user friendly 

language that provides a 

positive representation of 

staff and members. Third, 

offer readers ways to interact 

with VITA and Mens Sana, 

from making a donation to 

applying for work. 

Now VITA and Mens 

Sana have a web destination 

of their own. Visit the new 

web site at www.vitacls.org 

or via the Villa Charities web 

site at 

www.villacharities.com. 

“We are pleased and 

proud of this new way of 

presenting our work to the 

world and we hope that you 

take the opportunity to see 

what it is we do, but more 

importantly experience day 

to day lives, well lived,” 

states Manuela Dalla Nora, 

Executive Director, VITA 

Community Living Services.

VITA COMMUNITY LIVING 

SERVICES 


IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT 

Rick De Vincenzo 

PRESIDENT 

Paul Mior 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Brian Naraine 

TREASURER 

Silvano Zamparo 

SECRETARY 

Paul Bottos 

GOVERNORS 

Lou Cairo 

Robert Caruso 

Wilma Cesario 

Rosanna D’Ambrosi 

Frank De Cesare 

Fausto Gaudio 

Mario Giampietri 

Nancy Salerno 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Manuela Dalla Nora 

VITA Goes International 

VITA’s creativity in its approach to providing 

service to people with unique and significant needs 

is becoming a poorly hidden secret. For the past few 

years, VITA has toured people from across Canada 

and from around the world through various 

locations to meet with both VITA members and 

staff. This year, 

though, a big change 

has happened. Not 

only are people 

coming to tour, but 

interactive 

opportunities are 

being made for 

members and staff 

that are cause for 

celebration and 

excitement. 

Culford Meets 

Pulford 

In August 2008, 

VITA welcomed 

guests from Pulford 

Community Living Services in Manitoba. Pulford 

has been developing a program for an individual 

with Prader Willi Syndrome. When they heard 

about VITA and the Culford location in Toronto, 

which specializes in Prader Willi Syndrome, they 

contacted Manuela Dalla Nora to see if they could 

set up a visit. 

Culford was delighted to welcome Tracy and Alex. 

They came with such enthusiasm and passion for new 

information. Their main interest was learning about 

Culford’s specialized menus known as the Red, Yellow, 

Green menus, individualized exercise programs, and 

involvement with specialized health care practitioners. 

Over their three day visit they had the opportunity to 

meet and get to know the members, the staff team as 

well as the home’s dynamic. 

After the group returned to Manitoba, they 

contacted Manuela with an idea. They were so 

impressed with Culford, VITA and the Prader Willi 

Specialist here in Toronto, that they wanted the 

individual from their agency to come to Culford as a 

temporary safe bed member. This temporary 

placement will provide Pulford Community Living 

Services with the time they need to develop and 

implement their program for Prader Willi 

Syndrome. While the individual is at Culford, she 

will meet with the specialized medical practitioners, 

VITA Community Living Services 

behaviour therapist and begin treatment. 

The delegation from Pulford, Manitoba visits with members and staff at VITA’s 

Culford location 

A collaboration across Canadian borders is an 

exciting opportunity. With this initiative VITA will be 

able to utilize expertise hard won at VITA to both 

serve an individual who needs the service, but also 

through the provision 

of this service, VITA 

can assist another 

agency to develop the 

skill set to serve 

others elsewhere. 

Across The 

Pond – Again 

In September 

VITA greeted 8 service 

providers from 

England and Australia 

as part of the 

Paradigm tour of 

services in Canada 

and the United States. 

Each year, agencies 

are selected which 

represent the best of member-centred care and for the 

second year, VITA was on that list. 

The group was here for three things. A day long 

lecture on the establishment of trusting rapport with 

members in care, a half day tour of our specialized 

treatment homes and a half day presentation 

regarding VITA’s approach to abuse prevention. The 

schedule was jam packed and as such the tour, 

which began as a single day last year, was expanded 

to two days. 

Upon return to England, Paradigm contacted 

VITA with an exciting opportunity. One VITA 

member and one VITA staff are invited to the 10th 

annual Paradigm conference in Manchester in 

January. This trip will allow our staff and member to 

see the various kinds of services in England but, 

more importantly, to learn about the self advocacy 

movement in England. 

“These national and international opportunities 

give VITA a chance to grow, to share and to be a part 

of something bigger,” states Manuela Dalla Nora, 

Executive Director, VITA. “It is tempting to focus just 

on one little corner of the world, but these 

opportunities remind us that the movement towards 

respectful care and real lives for people with disability 

is a national and international affair.” 

Articles within the VITA Community Living Services section were provided by David Hingsburger unless otherwise noted. 


Support Villa Charities 

Villa Charities needs your support. 

Each donation, whatever the amount, 

makes a real difference to the quality 

of life for the thousands we serve. 

Here are some ways to donate: 

In Honour 

A wonderful way to honour someone. 

Instead of the usual present for a 

birthday, why not give that special 

person a unique gift – the knowledge 

that someone’s life has been touched 

by a donation made in their honour. 

In Memory 

Families are comforted in their sorrow 

by gifts made in memory of their 

loved one. Acknowledgement cards 

are sent to inform them of your 

thoughtfulness. 

Appreciated Securities 

Gifts of publicly traded stocks enable 

donors to give the most for the least 

cost because the capital gains tax on 

the appreciation of gifted marketable 

securities is eliminated. Ask the 

Foundation for more information. 

Life Insurance Policies 

A donor may contribute a life 

insurance policy currently owned or 

purchase a new one as a charitable gift. 

Premiums are tax deductible, as is the 

cash surrender value of the policy. 

Bequests 

A bequest is a gift made by Will, 

specifically by directing a portion of 

an estate to Villa Charities. 

Tree of Life 

The Tree of Life stands tall in the lobby 

of Villa Colombo Toronto. It is a 

magnificent bronze and brass sculpture 

that allows individuals to pay tribute to 

beloved family members and friends. 

For a gift of $1,000, a leaf will be 

inscribed with the name of your 

choice. For a gift of $5,000, the name 

will be inscribed on a rock. 

Official tax receipts are issued for all 

donations over $20. 


Charitable Registration 

No. 89337-0767-RR0001 

For more information, please contact 

the Foundation Office at 

(416) 789-7011 ext. 292. 

CANADIAN PUBLICATION 

AGREEMENT # 40013194 

Issue: Dec. 8, 2008 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 

Get ready for more fun, festivity and, of course, fundraising! Help us help others by 

attending Villa Charities Foundation's special events: 

La Befana Brunch - Discover how to celebrate and share Italian culture with your bambini 

at the 2nd annual La Befana Brunch. January 11, 2009. 

That's Amore in Rome Marathon/4km Fun Run - For the first time, Team Villa will raise 

funds and run for Villa Charities at the Maratona di Roma in Rome, Italy. 

March 18 to 25th, 2009 

An Afternoon Affair - A celebration of women, exclusively for women! Enjoy high tea 

with activities designed to pamper the mind, body and soul. April 2009. 

Giro T.O. - Cycling with an Italian spin! Join us for the 4th annual fun-filled salute to 

Italy's Giro d'Italia. May 25, 2009. 

Proceeds raised from Villa Charities Foundation's special events go towards programs that give 

more amore to the seniors who cared for us, provide more invaluable 

job training to adults with intellectual disabilities and increase the 

cultural programming that enriches the lives of thousands annually. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Coletta at 416-789-7011 ext. 242 www.villacharities.com 

Villa Charities Newsletter is a publication of Villa Charities Inc. © 2008 All rights reserved 

Editorial Committee 

Sam Ciccolini 

Enzo Cuttini 

Paul Mior 

Nick Sgro 


Villa Charities Inc. President & CEO 

Palmacchio (Pal) Di Iulio 

YES! I would like to pledge: $ ___________________ I would like the pledge to support: 

Villa Charities Foundation, to be used where it’s needed most 

or A Villa Charities priority service area: Seniors Individuals with intellectual disabilities 

Culture, education, arts and recreation 

Cheque enclosed I prefer to use my credit card: Visa MC Amex 

Credit Card Number:_________________________________________ Expiry Date: ____ /____ /_____ 

Name on Card:__________________________________________ _______________________________ 

Signature:_________________________________________________________ Date: ____ /____ /_____ 

Please mail tax receipt to: Name: ______________________________________________________________ 

Address:_______________________________________________ City: ____________________ Prov: ______ 

Postal Code: ________________ Phone: (day) ________________________ (evening) ______________________ 

Email:____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Please make cheques payable to: Villa Charities Foundation 

Villa Charities Foundation, 901 Lawrence Avenue W., 

Toronto, ON M6A 1C3 T: 416-789-7011 F: 416-789-9387 

www.villacharities.com� 

Communications & Marketing 

Coordinator 

Lori D'Amore 

Design and Production 

Coordination 

Giancarlo Piccin 

Layout 

Brian Boyd 


Executive Director 

Laura Dal Bo 

Contributors: 

David Hingsburger 

Lee Lynn 

Cinzia Scacchi 

Caroline Di Giovanni 

www.villacharities.com 

�

Venice came to Toronto - Villa Charities

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