A-Celebrity Limousine BBQ (August 17)
Just when I thought I was going to chillax I find myself surrounded by a multitude of radio announcers. There IS a reason why they're called "Personalities" lol. Thanks to Rob Iafrate for being "host with the most" at the 12th Annual A-Celebrity Limousine BBQ. A friend for 20 years, I remember when Robby first launched the company with just one single vehicle. When Prince moved to Toronto he became his personal driver and everything just took off from there! Today A-Celebrity is one of the city's most successful limousine companies and truly lives up to its name by catering to the most noted Hollywood celebrities. I have so many memorable moments like the time he drove us through Tim Horton's drive-thru with super-stretch on way to airport..."I can do it! I can do it!"...and he did LOL. Most intense moment was standing by Robby when he was trying to get Al Pacino into his car behind Massey Hall - an insane media frenzy that resulted in a few bruises on my body. The list is endless. Thanks for a great afternoon Robby...I am super proud of you!!!
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| Rob Iafrate, founder of A-Celebrity |
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| Sandra Carusi, Matt Wrregitt (The Hammer), Dan Rapponi (DJ Danny D), Rob Iafrate, Tony Monaco |
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| Rob, Tony, Dan, Matt, Baby Joseph |
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| Andrea Valentine and baby Joseph |
Z103.5 Boat Bash
ALL ABOARD!!! Amazing fun at the annual Z103.5 Boat Bash. Great music and great laughs with this crew...even afterwards when we docked at Queen's Quay. Pokeman players (which included a Toronto Raptor) were running around EVERYWHERE!
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| Bruno Falvo, Mitch Krystantos, Tony Monaco, Fabio Gesufatto, Peter Gonzales, Ray Bernardo |
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| Kevin Nagano, Fabio Gesufatto, Mike Giordano, Flavio Arconti, Mitch Krystantos |
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| The lovely ladies of Z! Pina-On-Air and Marliese |
Woodbridge Ribfest (Aug 5)
If there's a festival I look forward to every summer it has to be Woodbridge Ribfest . Not only is it great to savour delicious ribs from some of the best ribbers in North America but it's also an excellent opportunity for the community to come together. I had such a beautiful time with a great number of friends...so many laughs!!! Congrats to the Rotary Club of Woodbridge for organizing this event which is held annually at the Woodbridge Fairgrounds and special props to the British Invasion Band including my friends Laura Tonelli and Sc Lala who sang a special tribute to our friend, Vincenzo Benenati who recently passed away. ... bittersweet as it was I know he was watching from above, smiling and giving the ladies a thumbs-up!
*For the last 55 years the Rotary Club of Woodbridge has supported community groups and local charities through fundraising initiatives.
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| Last year's winners, Boss Hoss |
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| Great friends! |
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| British Invasion |
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| Sandra, Jason, Stephen |
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| Fabio and Laura |
Vaughan Pizza Fest (July 15)
When the moon hits your eye.... like a big a pizza pie that is FOR SURE "AMORE"!! Thousands gathered this past weekend at the Woodbridge Fairgrounds to celebrate their love for the most famous dish in the world - PIZZA .Kudos to organizers on the MASSIVE success of this inaugural Vaughan Pizza Fest and great to see so many of my friends involved...whether spinning pizzas or entertaining the masses on stage they did a phenomenal job!! Delicious signature pizzas (and panzos!) by over 15 Pizzerias like Ricci's Pizzeria and Sandwich Shoppe (who donated 100% of profits to charity) and Nonna's Oven. Comedian Frank Spadone emceed the 3 day event introducing artists such as Carlo Coppola, Joee , Thiago Derucio and more. I can't wait until next year's PizzaFest!! CONGRATS TO ALL!!
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| Enjoying pizza with emcee, Frank Spadone |
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| Jennifer and Mike Ricci of the legendary Ricci's Pizzeria |
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| Il Val and La Dina with my and Tony |
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| Joey De Simone and Tony Monaco |
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| Thiago! |
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| Officer Toni Passarelli and her message of love and peace! |
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| Elisa De Carolis, Joey De Simone and Ally Liscio |
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| Lalallaaa! |
Scuderia Ferrari Club of Toronto (June 4)
Who says women can't be fans of Ferrari and Formula 1 racing?!!!!! Right now my tree-hugger car serves its purpose and gets me from A to B and maybe when it's all said and done the gods will grace me with that fine piece of machinery. Congratulations to Scuderia Ferrari Club Toronto (SFCT) President, Antonio Folino including Lisa Ventura, Carlo Mirabelli and the entire steering committee on organizing another successful gala. The SFCT is the largest of its kind outside of Italy and all are invited to watch races at their clubhouse in Vaughan (Montreal Grand Prix this Sunday). And you don't have to own a Ferrari to become a member!
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| My cousin Anthony's Ferrari "Speciale" |
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| Lisa Ventura of Scuderia Ferrari Club of Toronto |
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| My paesan, broadcaster Paolo Canciani |
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| Scuderia Committee |
ICCO Business Achievement Awards At Liberty Grand
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| Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie who always give the best advice! Thanks, Bonnie |
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| Love my boys from Scotia! |
Vaughan Film Festival (May 19)
How many cities can boast a world-class film festival? Vaughan can!!! It was a beautiful time at the Vaughan Film Festival Awards Show and kudos to Hollywood actor, Billy Baldwin who, while gracing the podium to receive VFF's "Independent Leadership Award", explained the large number of challenges facing the film industry today. Independent film is the driving force behind the entire industry and it's through this medium that up and coming and seasoned actors, writers, directors and producers have the opportunity to show us their expertise. In addition, It's festivals like VFF that give these professionals a platform to showcase their work...so please support independent film by attending VFF screenings during festival time!!
I can't forget the stellar emceeing by Rick Campanelli of ET Canada and thank you to Antonio Ienco, Mark Pagliaroli,Alessandra Piccolo and the entire VFF team for giving us a festival worthy of our awesome city! Thanks Joe Ercolao, Jason Polsinelli and presenting sponsor, Scotiabank for having Tony Monaco and I at the event .
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| Holywood actor, Billy Baldwin |
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| Tony Monaco, Evy Radcliffe |
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| Actors Kim Roberts and Billy Baldwin with Rob Lorussio, Fabio Gesufatto, Bruno Rosato, Tony Moanco, Evy Radcliffe |
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| Agent Bruno Rosato and Billy Baldwin |
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| Maurizio Bevilacqua, Dia, Rob, Michelle DeBuono, Fabio Gesufatto, Tony Monaco |
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| Presenting Sponsors Scotiabank Joe Erocolao and Jason Polsinelle |
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| Billy and Maurizio |
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| Debby Rossi, Antonio Ienco, Tony and Fabio |
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| CHIN's Ali Bidabadi, Andrea Trentadue, Cinzia and Adriano Cremonese with Tony Monaco |
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| Billy with VFF Team |
OUR RUGRATS Expo (April 30)
It was another fun community event as families from across Vaughan came out to enjoy the 3rd Annual Our Rugrats Expo. Some participants were Arcadia Academy of Music, Z103.5 and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre - City of Vaughan. Our stellar Vaughan Firefighters were on hand diligently overseeing the kiddies while Elvira Caria graced the microphone emceeing the entire event. Congratulations to Cathy Palmer Amendola and her team on another successful Rugrats. If you haven't made it out yet I highly recommend you do next year!
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| Riccardo Backyardo and Sebastian Lo Porto of Primerica |
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| Vaughan Fire Inspector, Andre Clafton. He is THE REAL DEAL! |
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| Paying homage to the mother ship Z103 |
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| Our Brands Team |
Italian Fallen Workers Memorial (April 28)
As the daughter of a steel manufacturer who designed and built infrastructure across Canada, it was important for me to attend the unveiling of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial at the Columbus Centre. As I listened to speeches given by event coordinators, Marino Toppan and Paola Breda, I was shocked to learn the staggering statistics. Marino was correct, Italian labourers, including ALL labourers, once worked in dangerous times - taking jobs no one else wanted. The monument lists a total of 1200 Italian workers who perished in Ontario due to work-related incidents - 951 men, 2 women, 241 other men still to be verified and 32 new names added just prior to the unveiling. It was great to see 2000 in attendance including Toronto Mayor John Tory who gave some heartfelt words in Italian! Bravo!
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| Mayor John Tory |
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| Julian Fantino, Stephen Lecce, Tony Monaco |
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| Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Peter Kent |
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| Poet Gianna Patriarcha and Tony |
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| MPP Laura Albanese |
Viva Italia Cuba (April)
Varadero is never the same after Evanov Radio- Z103.5 / "Viva Italia Cuba" reaches its shores! The entire crew had fun moments (what happens in Cuba - stays in Cuba!!! LOL), listened to the beautiful music of Robert Michaels and gained 10lbs each sampling delicious cuisine prepared by Posticino Ristorante. After participating in this event for seven years I feel like we are family.
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| Dinner with Evanoc VP Carmela Laurignano and the Robert Michaels crew |
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| Old Havana |
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| The boys from Posticino Ristorante |
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| Robert Michaels and Tony Monaco |
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| My love, Liuva! |
Happy Birthday Jackie Rosati!
One of the most amazing compliments I've EVER received came from this woman (my right) when she said, "You're just like me!" She was 90 years old then and I was sitting in her kitchen while she made me lunch...imagine!!! Last night the CIBPA Ladies' Auxiliary celebrated Jackie Rosati's 93rd birthday. As a former nurse of St. Mike's Hospital and Villa Colombo Home for the Aged as well as the founder of the Auxiliary she has become a legend in the Italian Canadian community. She was one of the first Canadian migrant women to attend university on a full scholarship and through her career and community work she has dedicated her entire life to service. Jackie, if I can be even a quarter of what you are then I will be happy.
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| Me and one of my heroes, Jackie Rosati |
"I Am Not Your Average Teen" Book Launch (March 20)
I'm not just impressed by this girl... I AM ABSOLUTELY FASCINATED!!!!! Imagine your 14 year-old telling you she's going to write a book and then 4 years later accomplishing that goal? My friend, Mitch Krystantos' daughter has done just that!! Now 18, Britt Krystantos' autobiography, "I Am Not Your Average Teen" reveals the story of a girl crippled by insecurities and her incredible strength and ability to overcome them. After leaving her launch downtown at the SpeakEasy 21, I went home and read half her book. Now I'm in awe. Not only does she write about her teenage fears but she also includes quotes, tools and exercises to help other kids get through the pressures of adolescence...which I think are worse today because of social media, advertisements and changes to the family unit. I am definitely WOWED and encourage all parents to get a copy which can be found on Amazon.ca
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| Author, Brittany Krystantos |
OUR BRANDS MEDIA Wellness Expo
We live in a world today where taking care of one's health is paramount. Considering environmental pollutants as well as genetically modified and fast foods, it's no wonder we're concerned. Throw in some poor habits, a sedentary lifestyle and a whole lot of stress and VOILA...welcome to modern times!!! Thank you Cathy Palmer Amendola and John Amendola and Our Brands Media for creating and bringing Our Health & Wellness EXPO to Vaughan. It was an incredible 3rd annual resulting in a record-breaking attendance and by supporting local businesses and organizations catering to our wellbeing Our Brands has helped raise awareness. Props to stellar emcee Elvira Caria and a special thank you to Leon Agyei of Kinetic Konnection - The Bracing Experts for my funky performance compression socks!! And it was super great to see Moksha Yoga Maple... after practicing at the studio regularly for 5 years I am hooked. Namaste
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| My girls from Moksha Yoga Maple...yoga is my saving grace! |
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| MP Deb Schulte and Snapd Publisher John Amendola |
Nutella Face (Feb 5)
After hiding it in shoe boxes, the bookcase and laundry room hasn't Tony Monaco learned that he can't keep me from my Nutella???!!!!! Errrrr!!!!!
Thank you Jenny Arena, Vanessa Galle and David F. Di Benedetto for including the Monacos in Nutella Face:Art of Happiness which celebrates the World Nutella Day.
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| Creator, Jenny Arena |
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| Nadia, Massimo, Elvira, Fabio |
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| Fellow Nutella Face, Andrea Trentadue |
Frank Spadone Comedy Show (Jan 24)
Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon and Chris Rock step aside...sensational comedians Frank Spadone, Angelo Tsarouchas and Sandra Carusi are in town!!!! I'm still laughin' away after attending this incredibly hilarious show at the Markham Flato Theatre a couple of weeks ago. Special props to my old friend Sandra a.k.a "THE CRUISER" who gave audiences a jaw-dropping and stellar performance!! A heartfelt thank you to Frank Spadone who gave me full access so I could film my latest video series (coming soon) with my awesome team Claudio Coppola and Helen Keletzis of Butterfly Kisses Photography & Coppola Films. Thank you to emcee Elvira Caria for mentioning us.
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| What a crew! Claudio Coppola, Tony Monaco, Angelo Tsarouchas, Elvira Caria, Sandra Carusi, Fabio Gesufatto, Frank Spadone |
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| Frank Spadone, Tony Monaco, Fabio Gesufatto |
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| Autograph signing session with Angelo and Frank |
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