CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP AND HONOURING THE FALLEN

The Municipal Elections and Remembrance Day were by far the most important events for me during the Fall of 2014.  For someone like myself who is extremely patriotic and has a newly discovered interest in local politics, it was a month full of emotional ups and downs (Rob Ford's diagnosis / the death Nathan Cirillo) and nail biting situations (who would make the cut on Oct 27th?).  I have to say that I am relieved it's over. 


October 27 Municipal Elections 
The elections are finally over! After working the Vaughan polls for 13 INTENSE and exhausting hours I managed to make my way over to Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua's victory party at the Riviera Parque. With 25+ years political experience, 4 of them as leader of this incredible city, Vaughan will continue to be in good hands Congratulations to all re-elected and elected Regional and Ward Councillors.... a great team once again. 
*Thanks Luca Viorel and YOUR AD ONLINE for some of these great candid shots!

Mayor Bevilacqua 

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS!

It's important to support small business as well as community initiatives showcasing new entrepreneurs.  I make it a point to shop locally and purchase homegrown product if possible. 

October 27 Glam Goes Green Grand Opening 
I know I cover a lot of events in Vaughan but it’s time I give a little TLC to my peeps in Bolton!!!! I want to congratulate Lisa Smith Morgan on the grand opening of her new business Glam Goes Green. Lisa’s new endeavour located in the town’s downtown core caters to the environmentally conscious and ethical consumer. So if you’re looking for toxic-free, naturally-derived beauty and health products this is it 
http://glamgoesgreen.com 

Owner Lisa Morgan

My hairstylist Amanda!! 

November 2nd Our Rugrats Expo

It's no wonder that a kid-at-heart like myself would love the OUR RUGRATS EXPO. Geared to kids and organized by Our Brands Media my favourite part of the expo included Medieval Times, Legoland play area and the FIRE SAFETY LESSON from the City of Vaughan Fire Rescue Team!! 

My old school chum, Ty Chidlow - Fierce Medieval Times Knight

Antonietta DeRoma

Diva Girlz

Emcee Elvira Caria (right) 

A tender moment with Vaughan Fire Inspector, Andre Clafton

November 13  2nd Annual Girls Night Out Shopaganza
Tony Monaco and I reached another milestone in our 18-year relationship when we recorded our first-ever radio commercial together  I was super-excited to be at the Z103.5 studios taping the Moving Forward Foundation's 2nd Annual Shopaganza Event. Of course Tony was worried I would MAX-OUT the credit card but I was too busy emceeing this shopping extravaganza) 
La Primavera Banquet Hall in Vaughan. www.movingforward2015.org

Interviewing Santa! What a hoot!

November 18  Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Women-to-Women Symposium
My Dad always said "If there were more women in politics the world would be a better place". Love my Dad and all his wisdom  Other than public service women can alter the world via ANY leadership role whether it's in business or as a mom. This is why I look forward to the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce "Women-to-Women Symposium" every year. It doesn't just fuel my spirit - it also inspires me to support those I surround myself with. This year's event which empowers and connects women in our community featured CBC News Host of "The Exchange" Amanda Lang. She discussed her new book "The Power of WHY" and how to reignite curiosity at any age to become more innovative and proactive. Afterwards the girls and visited the vendors and did a little shopping! 
Paramount Conference & Event Venue - byPeterandPauls.com

Mary from Woodbridge Country Club

Nadia Cerelli (Plan B Promotions) and Rita Borges (byPeter&Pauls.com) 

Cathy Amendola, Elvira Caria, Nadia Cerelli 

FALL 2014 - CELEBRATING ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE!

Although I had a great cultural experience while traveling through the Alps this fall, I also had equally appealing experiences after I returned home. The following are a few the interesting cultural and arts events I attended in the fall of 2014.  Many I covered for Panoram Italia Magazine. 

October 9 Celebrating Friulian Language 
If there’s one thing I’m proud of it’s my rich Friulian heritage.  And I must say we had so much fun with these signs last night at the launch of the Famee Furlane’s Language & Culture Course. Officially recognized by both Italy and the European Union as an OFFICIAL language, Friulian will now be taught at the Famee Furlane Club of Toronto starting October 16th. For those of you who have never heard of this Italian subculture, the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia lying in northeastern Italy embodies a myriad of wonderful customs. The best part? Vaughan UNOFFICIALLY speaks 100 languages now!
Famee Furlane Club of Toronto - Vaughan

Host Mattia Bello

Victoria, Mayor Bevilacqua, Matthew Melchior, Mattia and Tony Monaco

October 17  Renaissance Awards Gala  

It was here that the Italian Canadian community honoured its best. Held at the Riviera Parque and presented by the Amici Museum, Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation together with the National Congress of Italian Canadians – Toronto District the evening’s ceremony recognized the contributions made by outstanding individuals and organizations. 

Riviera Parque - Vaughan

NCIC President Fabio Gesufattto, Recipient Carmela Liparoti and Minister Julian Fantino

November 2  Festa d'Autunno

This has to be one of the best culinary events I've attended!! Over 700 famished foodies showed up at the 17th Annual Festa Gastronomica d’Autunno on Nov 2nd.. Hosted by the Association of Italian Chefs of Canada the extravaganza featured over 30 different restaurants, wine distributers, food importers and suppliers from across the GTA. Auguri to my friend and Furlan paesan Gianni Ceschia on a job well done 

RIviera Parque - Vaughan

Ralph Chiodo and Mirella Colaricci 

Chef Gianni Ceschia 

Organizer Alessandra Piccolo 

November 6  Vaughan Film Festival Media Launch

I still can't stop thinking about the 3rd Annual Vaughan Film Festival Media Launch. I am both amazed and moved by the amount of support we're receiving from the community  As Media Relations Director for the Festival I’d like to thank all of our generous sponsors, media and friends who came out to Vaughan City Hall that evening. With the assistance of our incredible emcee Suhanna Meherchand (CBC News) we announced the VFF Talking Film Campaign, year-round student initiatives including the date for the upcoming festival- MAY 25th – 28th, 2015. Congrats to those who won Festival Screening and Awards Show tickets. It was also great to be on-stage…my first time speaking at City Hall (apologies to City employees who heard me singing "Piano Man" during mike testing heheheee!!!!!) .
For more VFF info and how you can enter the Talking Film Campaign visit http://www.vaughanfilmfestival.com/

Suhanna Meherchand and our volunteers 

Nail biter! 

Mark Pagliaroli and Antonio Ienco (founders of VFF) with Suhanna Meherchand

Alessandra Piccolo, Nadia Cerelli, Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Elvira Caria, Councillor Deb Schulte

Minister Steven Del Duca, Alessandra Piccolo, Councillor Tony Carella, Suhanna Meherchand and Fabio Gesufatto

November 15 62nd Annual President's Ball

Humility, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful qualities any human can possess. Other than determination, vision and integrity, humility was the common denominator I found in all four honourees of the 62nd Annual CIBPA President’s Ball - Awards of Excellence. I can't tell you how touched I was by their sincere and heartfelt speeches!  

Honoured with the President’s Award was CEO of CHIN Radio/TV LENNY LOMBARDI who through his steadfast dedication continues the legacy left by his late father – multicultural patron, Johnny Lombardi. The Professional Excellence Award was presented to GREG SORBARA for his exemplary political career. The inspirational DIANE DUPUY, President and founder of Famous PEOPLE Players, was given the Community Leader Award. Finally, receiving the Business Excellence Award for their achievement in numerous construction and development enterprises was the CORTELLUCCI FAMILY who dedicated the award to all Italian families who contributed to the fabric of Canadian society.

*Thank you to Luca Viorel and YOUR AD ONLINE for some of these awesome shots! A sincere thanks to the CIBPA of Toronto.
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex - Toronto

Pal Di Iulio (Villa Charities) and the new Consul General of Italy, Giuseppe Pastorelli 

Minister Steven Del Duca, Professional Excellence Award recipient Greg Sorbara, Business Excellence Award recipient Mario Cortellucci, Vaughan MayorMaurizio Bevilacqua, CIBPA President Eddy Burello, President's Award recipient Lenny Lombardi and Honourary Chair Ralph Chiodo 
Ginesia Cortellucci 

Award recipient Greg Sorbara with CIBPA President Eddy Burello, Lou Panacci and Frank Strippoli 

Ralph Chiodo (Active Green & Ross) and Rick Campanelli (host ET Canada) 

Award recipient Mario Cortellucci (Cortel Group) and his wife Ginesia Cortellucc

Award recipient Lenny Lombardi (CHIN Radio/TV) with his wife Grace 

Selfie with Antonio Ienco (Vaughan Film Festival) and Rick Campanelli (ET Canada) 

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

They say charity begins at home and I can attest to that! Through 'RO On The GO" or via my event column in Panoram Italia Magazine I'm witness to the incredible spirit of philanthropy that exists with the city of Vaughan. Here are few fundraisers I covered for the 2014 fall season (I also had the chance to emcee one!) 

September 26 Imagine  
Despite the nasty jet lag from my European holiday I couldn't wait to emcee the 1st Annual “Imagine” Event (Eagle's Nest). Benefiting the Give Kids a Chance Foundation, this fundraiser raised proceeds for the construction of Los Patohos – a youth centre in Guatamala. With the 5th highest crime rate worldwide and 80% of its citizens living in extreme poverty, this centre is like an oasis in the desert. It was a privilege to meet Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, a young teacher and 2014 CNN hero who founded the original centre when he opened his parents’ home to help over 1500 children in the area. Even today Pablo and his parents still live in the top floor of their home while providing a safe haven to kids down below. The event raised close to $80, 000 and once completed Los Patohos will be recognized as a university!!!!
For more information visit:http://www.givekidsachancefoundation.com/ 

Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes with Foundation Founders 

Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes and Tony Monaco

Linda Granzotto 

October 3 Hospice Vaughan Gala 
When I mention Hospice Vaughan I sometimes have people ask me, “What EXACTLY is Hospice?” Hospices have been around for centuries. They were once a refuge for weary travelers as well as a place where the terminally ill and wounded could get much needed care. Although much has changed, modern hospices can be found in almost every community and give compassionate support to persons dealing with life-threatening illness or the loss of a loved one – something we sadly all have in common. As an organization I strongly support, Hospice Vaughan has been serving the community since 1995. It was incredible to see close to 1000 people show their support at the 5th Annual Hospice Vaughan “Giving Thanks” Gala!!! A record-breaking year. Congrats to John Amendola, Carmela Sisto and the rest of the team at Hospice Vaughan 
To donate or to volunteer at Hospice Vaughan please visit:http://www.hospicevaughan.com/

Transportation Minister among the ladies :) 

Massimo Fiore and Rob Lorusso

Hospice President, John Amendola and Mayor Bevilacqua 

October 7 Savour York Region Food Drive

A seriously emotional moment when a kind gentleman strolled out of Longo’s with an overflowing grocery cart and donated THE WHOLE THING to Savour York Region’s “8th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive”!!!!! Please remember that even in an affluent city like Vaughan there are people in need. Most don't want others to know they’re having financial difficulty. Two people in my own life, educated single moms, have told me that in the distant past they’ve had to visit food banks...ashamed to let anyone know of their difficulties. I was stunned but learned that a fine line does exist and that it could happen to any one of us. you can drop-off non-perishable food items to all Vaughan Fire Halls or at the Vaughan Food Bank (71 Marycroft Ave). Monetary donation online are also being accepted at http://www.savouryorkregion.ca/food-drive/

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, SYR's Elvira Caria and Nadia Cerelli ..along with the Monacos! 

Anne Di Bello of Insurance Brokers of Toronto with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Vaughan Food Bank Director, Peter Wixson 

Vaughan Fire Inspector, Andre Clafton

October 10 Hats On For Awareness
Fancy hats and fascinators were all the rage at the 6th Annual Hatsquerade. Held at Riviera Parque in Vaughan the Hats On for Awareness Gala supports the CAMH Foundation (Centre of Addiction and Mental Health) and helps shatter the stigma associated with mental illness. Creating awareness were countless people telling their personal stories…people like you and I who have found the courage to share their experiences associated with depression and related issues - or of those of their loved-ones. Congratulations to Debby Rossi and her fellow gala committee members for not only inspiring us with a heartfelt evening but for also organizing a great party! 
To learn more about this amazing cause visithttp://www.hatsonforawareness.com/

Committee Member - Debby Rossi

Alex Settino Debby Rossi

October 21 Moda In Motion Fashion Show
As a member of the CIPBA Ladies’ Auxiliary I was proud to attend our annual fashion show, “HOLLYWOOD AT THE PARAMOUNT” last week. The goal of the evening was to raise funds for Behaviour Innovations of Toronto and raise awareness to children dealing with Autism. Founded over 6 decades ago with the objective to provide assistance to Italian immigrants, the Auxiliary’s current mandate is to give support to medical institutions and philanthropic organizations across the GTA. In addition to an amazing meal, prizes, musical entertainment and countless vendors the show featured exclusive European couture and designs by internationally-renowned fashion designers Domenic Serio and Brian Bailey.
Thanks Luca Viorel and YOUR AD ONLINE for the catwalk pics.

Designer Dominic Serio

November 1 Give To Pink 

What I love about my work is that I meet so many outstanding people doing charity work at the grassroots level. Steeles Paint and their “GIVE TO PINK” Fundraiser is a perfect example. Celebrated at Canada’s largest independent paint store on November 1st, the month-long charity event raised over $27, 000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation of Ontario. Sponsored by Benjamin Moore & Co. and Para Paints, the Vaughan retailer donated $1 from every gallon of paint sold throughout October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Well done, Claudio Grisolia of Steeles Paint!

Presenting a cheque to Anthony Miceli of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation of Ontario 

CHIN's Ali Bidabadi

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Steeles Paint Volunteers

November 1 Mackenzie Health Gala 
Ohhhhhh what a great time at the “Oh, What a Night” Gala Fundraiser! Hosted by Breakfast Television’s Kevin Frankish the evening featured a stellar musical tribute to Frankie Valli. Also had a fun time sitting at the SNAPD table..thank you John Amendola. Benefiting the Mackenzie Health Foundation all proceeds from this event support both Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital as well as the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. 

Tony, Marlena, Rosie and Gus 

The usual suspects!!

Cathy Amendola and Fabio Gesufatto

November 14th Sheena's Place

This event held at Montecassino Place in Vaughan supports Sheena's Place, a support Centre for Eating Disorders. After some touching speeches guests got to enjoy a stellar performance by The British Invasion. Lead singer (Paul McCartney double) was my husband Tony Monaco's childhood friend Joe Culmone. 

November 23 Vitanova Celebration of Life Gala 

The annual Vitanova Foundation Gala & Celebration of Life raises awareness to individuals suffering from various forms of addiction.  From alcohol and drug abuse to gambling addiction this special event also celebrates sobriety.

Founded in 1987 by Franca Damiani Carella, Vitanova's 15,000 sq.ft. facility houses a domiciliary shelter and offers a variety of counselor-operated day programs, evening aftercare and therapy courses.

I was especially moved by Franca’s  powerful speech including vocal performances by Vitanova residents. Kudos to sensational choirmaster Carlo Coppola! 

Carlo Coppola and his choir 

Franca and Councillor Tony Carella 

Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Letizia (ScotiaBank)  Jason Polsinelli (Scotia McLeod)

Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco