BOOK SIGNINGS, CULTURE TALKS & NUTELLA!

The cold weather couldn't keep me indoors or from participating in these exciting community events! 

Our Health & Wellness Expo  
January 11
Attending OUR HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO was a godsend!! Not only did I learn to protect myself against rambunctious emcee Elvira Caria (thank you instructors at Lanna Mixed Martial Arts), Tony Monaco was also offered a complimentary hearing test by Great To Hear (as his wife who has to ask AT LEAST FIVE TIMES to take out the garbage, this is essential! ). In addition, there were over 70 other exhibitors promoting wellness related services and products such as acupuncture, spinal adjustments, massage, nutrition, blood sugar testing including book signings by THE HEALTHY ITALIAN author Fina Scroppo :) 
Paradise Banquet Hall – Vaughan

Battling it out with emcee Elvira Caria and the Team at Lanna Martial Arts! 

Teresa Ciaravella, Deb Schulte, Elvira Caria 

Julia Gourlie 

John Amendola 

City of Vaughan "Culture Summit"  
January 21
Vaughan is a city under major transformation. With these exciting changes come the growth of arts and culture in our community 
smile emoticon I was happy to attend the City of Vaughan's Culture Talks Summit where renowned professionals shared their vision and expertise. Panelists included Paul Raff (Architect currently working on “Atmospheric Lens” – an overpass which will be located at Vaughan’s future Toronto-York Spadina subway extension). Tim Jones (CEO of Artscape and responsible for revitalization of the Distillery District and Regent Park) as well as Renee Piechocki (Founding Director of Pittsburgh’s Office of Public Art). Of course as a member of the Vaughan Film Festival team we didn't hesitate to make the rounds and promoting our "Talking Bubble" Campaign!!

Celebrating World Nutella Day! February 5 
I was completely FORCED into celebrating World Nutella Day...thanks for the extra pounds Jenny Arena, David F. Di Benedetto and Vanessa Galle!!!!!! "PUT ON YOUR BEST NUTELLA FACE" at Brookelynn Bistro (Vaughan) was a chocolate lovers paradise. The extravaganza featured wild boar sliders, arancini, waffles, plantain springroles and ravioli....all made with this famous chocolate/hazelnut spread smile emoticon 
Event hosted by : Fables and Focaccia, Vanessa Galle Photography and Design Inc. , Wild Burger, Brookelynn Bistro & Continental Noodles 

Elvira Caria, Jenny Arena, Nadia Cerelli

Foodie, Frank Mazzucca

Valeria Mitsubata and Patricia Curto 

Vaughan Winterfest  February 8 
Fun..fun..fun at Vaughan Winterfest!!! Not only did I get to hang with my favourite Vaughan Fire Inspector, Andre Clafton but I also met a York Regional Police super hero 
smile emoticon Missed the Toronto Maple Leaf autograph signing though….shucks..lol !!! 
Vellore Village - Vaughan 

YRP Super Hero and Constable Antonio Cedrone

Vaughan Fire Inspector Andre Clafton

Vaughan Business Expo February 11 
Vaughan is a city of entrepreneurs with 81% of its businesses employing fewer than 20 people. That’s why the Business 2 Business Expo (VBEC) is so important. Presented by the City of Vaughan this event gives business leaders in our community the opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, showcase products/services as well as hear expert advice from guest speakers from a wide spectrum of industries. This year’s VBEC also marked the launch of the new Vaughan Business Network and VBEC Youth Entrepreneurship Programs. A big congratulations to Sandra Abballe of Succulent Chocolates and Sweets Inc. who received the 2015 Vaughan Young Entrepreneur Award!!!!

Gabriella Rigazzi Lettiero of Inspire to Hire 

Francesca Leone and team of Vaughan Film Festival, Alessandra Piccolo , Maria Paletta and moi! 

Joe and Nino of the Vaughan Citizen 

Family Day "BBQ & Family Skate"  February 16 
BRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! Even though it was a chilly Family Day, it was a full house at the "BBQ and Family Skate" at Woodbridge Pool & Memorial Arena 
smile emoticon Hosted by Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca and City of Vaughan Councillor Tony Carella, the event was an incredible success. Best part? Snapping a pic of Minister Del Duca tying up his skates ....remember, you can’t hide from RO On The GO! 

Minister Steven Del Duca 

Anna Ventura 

The Sorbara Family 

Thanks for the amazing BBQ, Enbridge! 

"Friulians in Canada" Book Launch February 25 
Attending and supporting anything pertaining to my Italian background has always been important to me. That’s why I so enjoyed the book launch of “Friulians in Canada”. What struck me most is that the publication is researched and written by a non-Italian who is just plain passionate about Friulian culture!!! As a half-Friulian I want to thank and congratulate author Sarah Rolfe Prodan …I’m so looking forward to this read. 
Columbus Centre 

Author Sarah Rolfe Prodan

Famee Furlane Toronto President, Matthew Melchior and Primo Di Luca 

Mattia Bello and Tony Monaco 

Catching up with Melissa Rose! 

The Academy Awards! February 22 Another year...another Oscar! What can I say? Step aside Meryl Streep..heheeee!!!! smile emoticon 

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Despite the freezing temperatures this winter the citizens of Vaughan exhibited their spirit of generosity by giving support to these important causes: 

Winter Gala"Wings of Hope" Fundraiser  February 7 

Legendary author F. Scott Fitzgerald would've given a big “thumbs-up” to the 1st Annual "Wings of Hope" Winter Gala!! With The Great Gatsby as the theme, the evening was hosted by the AllStar Foundation Wings of Hope whose goal is to make a difference in Africa - one child at a time. The foundation, in collaboration with Horizon Initiative, is committed to assisting orphans by creating micro-communities. The latest project in Kenya involved the construction of an orphanage, school and an onsite agricultural facility where children learn life skills such as growing crops and maintaining livestock. Props to stellar emcee, Elvira Caria smile emoticon
http://www.allstarfoundation.ca/ 

Frank Falcone of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame :) 

Elvira Caria and Nadia Cerelli 

Daniela and David Di Benedetto 

Heart to Heart Gala  February 14 

A heartfelt thanks to Stefania Tersigni Pizzi who asked me to emcee her 4th Annual "Heart to Heart" Gala. It was a great night! All proceeds benefit The Heart to Heart Foundation and the Sick Children's Hospital Cardiology Department. 

Match One Event  February 22

I was moved by the outpouring of support at the One Match Registry held for Vaughan resident, Elena Ruggero-Gallucci. After extensive chemotherapy treatment Elena is need of a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, none of her family members' stem cells are a match. Husband, Stefano Gallucci is now reaching out to the community and asking for your help. Although I’m already on the Registry I felt it was important to attend and be an additional voice for Elena. Giving a sample is a simple mouth swab and if you happen to be a match modern treatments are much less invasive. 

For more information visit www.onematch.ca/ or call 1-888-2 DONATE
Al Paladini Community Centre – Vaughan 

Stefano Gallucci 

Match One Volunteers 

"Staying Alive" Disco Ball Gala  

February 28 

How much do I love my job!! My research for Panoram Italia Magazine Events involves going to amazing parties....seriously smile emoticon Close to 1000 people danced away to electrifying 70s & 80s hits at the annual “Staying Alive Disco Ball” Gala. This is definitely one of the most impressive fundraising events I’ve ever attended and to date the gala has raised $150,000 for the SickKids Foundation. Congrats to Mario Bartelli and Leo Veri of Veriation Music for putting on a kick-butt bash!
*Thanks to AMAZING photographer Luca Viorel of YOUR AD ONLINE for providing several of these photos.

Lisa and Jennifer 

Jennifer and Mike Ricci 

DNA Project 

Leo Veri, J.P. McMillan (SickKids Foundation) and Mario Bartelli

Lisa and Patty 

Luisa and Massimo Ravenna 

POLITICAL JUNKIE

Everyone who knows me will tell you that I love politics. I'm in the learning process so I enjoy being around and observing some of our community's exceptional leaders! 

City of Vaughan Inauguration  December 1

Public service isn’t an easy profession and I have much respect for those who choose to follow this path. As a representative of the people it’s a job that entails complete dedication. There’s no such thing as working 9 to 5 – your commitment extends beyond to include all hours of the day and weekends. It’s truly a calling that comes under a watchful eye and with some level of sacrifice. Monday December 1st was a momentous day in the city of Vaughan where Mayor and Members of Council were officially sworn into office. I had the chance to attend the reception following the inauguration ceremony. Congratulations to Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and all Councillors. I’ll say it again…Vaughan is in good hands! 

Jason Polsinelli, Mayor Bevilacqua, Rita Borges

Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Debby Rossi, Fabio Gesufatto 

Mayor and Members of Council 

Ali and Andrea of CHIN Radio/Television

Hazel McCallion Tribute Dinner  December 6

Hands down this was my most memorable birthday to date!!! Spent at a tribute dinner for Hazel McCallion, I was INCREDIBLY honoured to be seated at the head table alongside her and the lovely Bonnie Crombie – Mississauga’s newly-elected mayor. Hosted by Micba Charity and emceed by my hubby Tony Monaco and Laura Tonelli, the evening recognized “The Hurricane” and her exemplary 36 consecutive-year career as Mayor of Mississauga. A pioneer in the city's political arena, Hazel helped pave the way for women at every level of politics – setting examples and demonstrating in those early years that women are equally effective in public service. Not only did hundreds of guests receive Hazel “Bauble Heads” (where she sports an Italian jersey and pearl earrings heeeeheehe!!) but they also witnessed the 93 year-old sensation drive into the facility in a Fiat 500!!
Congratulations to Carmela Liparoti and Frank Trevisan of MICBA on a job well done …and thank you for making me feel so special on my birthday
Thank you to Luca Viorel and YOUR AD ONLINE for these STELLAR photos Love them, Luca!! 

Hazel McCallion

Emilia Capo, Laura Tonelli, Andrea Trentadue

Hazel Bauble Head!! 

Frank Trevisan, Hazel McCallion, Emilia Capo and Tony Monaco 

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie 

Consul General of Italy, Giuseppe Pastorelli and Bruna Ronaghi

Councillor Sandra Racco Thank You Dinner  December 19 

Tony and I were deeply honoured to be invited to a special dinner celebrating Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco's recent reelection. In the last couple of years I’ve gotten to know Sandra, witnessing her tireless dedication to this community time and time again. Despite an extremely hectic schedule (you think I AM on the go??!!) she always has time to drop a line and say hello. Having already served 11 years as a council member for the City of Vaughan we wish her continued success. Congratulations, Sandra! 

Sandra Yeung Racco, Mario Racco, Tony Monaco

Ginesia, Peter and Romina Cortellucci 

Mario Cortellucci, Tony Monaco, Ginesia Cortellucci, Mario Racco, Sandra Yeung Racco

Mayor's Luncheon February 18

Vaughan prides itself on being a city where no individual is left behind. This was reflected at the annual Mayor’s Luncheon where Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua touched on his humble roots, recalling his arrival in Canada in 1970 where he lived in a basement apartment with his parents and siblings. With family support including the incredible opportunities available to new Canadians, the Mayor attended York University and went on to have a successful political career in Ottawa and here at home. While addressing members of the Chamber of Commerce he ensured the City of Vaughan will continue this great Canadian legacy by providing opportunity to ALL its citizens. From affordable housing to securing a stable and educated labour force, he also mentioned the Toronto-York Subway Extension and the 427 extension plan to Major Mackenzie - which happens to be 10 years ahead of schedule. Other initiatives mentioned were the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, the future downtown core to be located on Jane St. between Hwy 7 and Rutherford (Expo City Tower 1 completed and KPMG building currently underway) as well as the recent groundbreaking of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. 

Domenic Meffe (Monte Carlo Inns) and Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua 

Elvira Caria (Plan  B Promotions) with Councillors Sandra Yeung Racco and Rosanna DeFrancesca 

Dolores Rotondo and Michelle De Buono (CIty of Vaughan) 

Alessandra Piccolo (Vaughan Film Festival) and Debbie Conti (Power Stream)

Vivian Risi (Royal LePage) and Victoria 

Filomena Rosati (Whatever Publishing) 

Mary Frasca (Snapd) Rita Borges (ByPeter&Pauls), Sandra Begenisic