The Messinesi Club of Ontario

03/31/2026

Spring 2026 Newsletter – The Messinesi Club of Ontario

As we welcome the beauty and renewal of spring, we are excited to share what has already been a vibrant and meaningful season for The Messinesi Club of Ontario.

From our lively Tombola Tuesdays to our theme dinners, special community gatherings and cultural celebrations, each event continues to bring people together in the true spirit of friendship, tradition, and cultural pride. None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. Your time, energy, and passion are the heart of everything we do, and we are deeply grateful for the role you play in making every event a success.

Giving back remains at the core of our mission. We are proud to support organizations that make a real difference in our community, including The Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan & The Vaughan Food Bank. Through fundraising efforts and community initiatives, we continue to stand together in support of those who need it most.

Membership Drive – Join Our Community
We are currently welcoming new members to join our growing community. If you’re looking to connect, celebrate our heritage, and be part of something meaningful, now is the perfect time to get involved. Your voice, ideas, and presence matter.

Get Involved – Support Our Mission
We invite anyone interested in making a difference to consider supporting our initiatives. Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or becoming a sponsoring partner for one of our events, your contribution helps us continue our work and expand our impact.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we celebrate. Together, we give back.

To learn more about our future events, memberships, sponsorship opportunities, or how to contribute, please reach out to us, we would love to hear from you!

[email protected]

03/05/2026

The Messinesi Club of Ontario
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Friday Nights 7:00pm - Open to Everyone !
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MARCH
Pizza & Tombola Night
Friday March 6, 6:30pm

Arts and Crafts - For All Ages
Led by Lucia Paterra Catania
Wed Mar 18 at 7:00pm

San Giuseppe Dinner
Friday March 20 at 6:30pm

Tombola Tuesday
Tuesday March 31 at 7:00pm
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THE MESSINESI CLUB OF ONTARIO
For more information and to reserve your seats, please contact:
Frank Maio, 416 540-3552
Joe Maio, 647 461-8297
260 Regina Road, Suite 7, Vaughan
Email: [email protected]

02/02/2026

Welcome to February everyone,

Good news to report, Gucci the groundhog stopped by the club this morning, unfortunately, he didn’t see anything, and he definitely isn’t saying anything. Capiche!

We do appreciate his visit. For our added enjoyment, Gucci drove is vintage special edition split bumper Camaro and left us with a tray of ricotta filled cannoli’s.

Grazie Gucci, a presto!🇮🇹🇨🇦

01/29/2026

Tutti a tavola a mangiare! 🇮🇹

At The Messinesi Club of Ontario, this is more than a saying, it’s our way of life.

From nonni to nipoti, friends to family, we come together the best way we know how: around the table, sharing food, stories, laughter, and our beautiful Messinesi traditions. ❤️

Whether you’re looking for community, culture, or just a good plate of pasta, there’s always a seat waiting for you with us.

Want to get involved or learn more? Contact us at [email protected]

01/17/2026

01/15/2026

Save the Date - Friday March 20, 2026

San Giuseppe Dinner Celebration.

Please join us if you can, additional details will be posted soon.

A portion of the sale each ticket will go towards our continuing fundraising for the Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan.

Please contact us at: Themessinesiclubofontario..com

01/15/2026

The Messinesi Club of Ontario is hosting our first Arts and Crafts night on Tuesday February 10, 2026 at 7pm. Join us for a night of community fun.
Please contact us at; [email protected] to save your seat.

12/28/2025

Commemorating the 1908 Messina Earthquake;

On December 28, 1908, at 5:20 a.m., one of the most powerful and destructive earthquakes in European history struck the Strait of Messina. The 7.1‑magnitude quake shattered the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria, collapsing buildings within seconds and catching most residents in their sleep.

What followed was even more devastating: a tsunami that swept across the coasts of Sicily and Calabria, compounding the destruction and overwhelming already‑shattered communities. Entire neighborhoods vanished, and the combined disaster claimed tens of thousands of lives, with estimates ranging from 80,000 to over 100,000 victims.

This tragedy reshaped southern Italy. It exposed the fragility of early‑20th‑century urban construction, spurred international relief efforts, and marked a turning point in Italy’s approach to seismic risk and disaster response.

Today, we honor the memory of those lost and reflect on the resilience of the survivors who rebuilt from ruins. Their story remains a solemn reminder of nature’s force and the enduring strength of human communities.

In remembrance of the lives forever changed on this day in 1908 Messina earthquake.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1908_Messina_earthquake #:~:text=A%20devastating%20earthquake%20occurred%20on,Mercalli%20intensity%20of%20XI%20(Extreme)

12/24/2025

The Messinesi Club of Ontario – Christmas Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends,

As the Christmas season approaches, we would like to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to you and your families.

Christmas is a time of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness with values that are at the heart of The Messinesi Club of Ontario.

This past year has reminded us how important our community is. Through shared traditions, friendship, and our love for our Sicilian heritage, we continue to keep our culture alive for future generations. Whether you joined us at events, supported the club behind the scenes, or simply stayed connected in spirit, your involvement means more than words can express.

The Messinesi Club of Ontario is also proud to continue giving back to our local community. We remain committed to collecting donations for both The Vaughan Food Bank, and The Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan, especially during this holiday season when the need is greatest. Your generosity helps support families and individuals during difficult times, and it truly reflects the spirit of Christmas.

We are deeply grateful to our members, volunteers, and supporters who give their time and energy to make our club strong. Your dedication allows us to celebrate our history, language, and customs while building lasting friendships here in Ontario.

As we look ahead to the New Year, we are excited for what’s to come, new events, new memories, and more opportunities to come together as one Messinesi family.

From all of us at The Messinesi Club of Ontario, I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, joy, good health, and the warmth of family and friends. May the New Year continue to bring happiness, prosperity, and unity to our community.

Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo

Con Affetto,

Francesco Maio, President
The Messinesi Club of Ontario
[email protected]

11/28/2025

The Messinesi Club of Ontario - Winter 2025 Newsletter - President’s Message

Dear Members and Friends,

As winter settles across Ontario, we are reminded of the enduring strength of our community and the values that unite us. The Messinesi Club of Ontario remains steadfast in its mission to preserve our heritage, foster fellowship, and contribute meaningfully to the broader society in which we live. This season, we reaffirm our continued dedication and commitment to raising awareness and supporting fundraising efforts for Hospice Vaughan and The Vaughan Food Bank. These organizations embody compassion and service, and we are proud to stand alongside them in their vital work.

We are also profoundly grateful for the partnerships we have established with corporate companies whose generous donations and contributions help us manage our ongoing expenses and sustain our programs. Their support strengthens our ability to serve both our members and the wider community. In the next edition of our newsletter, we will be spotlighting these companies to formally recognize their invaluable role in our shared mission.
Upcoming Events
*Pancake Breakfast with Babbo Natale – December 6, 2025
*Annual Christmas Brunch – December 14, 2025
*New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31, 2025 (Join us as we welcome 2026 with elegance, camaraderie, and a midnight toast)
*Winter Cultural Series – we will be posting our January & February
2026 events Calander soon

Community Engagement
• Hospice Vaughan: Through our fundraising initiatives, we continue to support the compassionate care provided to individuals and families during life’s most challenging moments.
• Vaughan Food Bank: Our members remain committed to combating food insecurity by contributing resources and raising awareness for this essential community service.

Cultural Heritage
This winter, please continue to celebrate the traditions of Sicilia in your homes with family & friends:
• Cuccìa di Santa Lucia – A dish of wheat and ricotta prepared on December 13th, symbolizing gratitude and abundance.
• Natale in Sicilia – Families gather for cenone (Christmas Eve dinner), sharing seafood, pasta al forno, and festive desserts.
• Epiphany (La Befana) – January 6th marks the arrival of La Befana, bringing joy and sweets to children.

Member Recognition
We extend our heartfelt appreciation our members for their tireless efforts in organizing cultural programs and charitable initiatives that exemplify the spirit of service and tradition that defines our Club.

Closing Remarks
As we embrace the winter season, let us continue to honor our heritage while extending generosity to those in need. Together, we strengthen not only our community but also the broader society we are privileged to serve.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, we wish you and your families a joyous Buon Natale holiday season with a prosperous New Year.

Respectfully,
Francesco Maio, The Messinesi Club of Ontario
[email protected]