Come be Italian for a Day!

Sunday June 22nd, 2025 – 1 to 6pm

Come celebrate summer and Italian Heritage Month

at the da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay Street

This is a family-friendly “Festa Italiana” (Italian party) featuring:

• Italian music and entertainment on 2 stages - outdoor and indoor - with Michael Mazza and the Mozzarellas, and Angela Burgaretta and her band Jagged Roots. You'll be wowed by opera singer Steven Price as well as treated to Italian classics by local violin virtuoso Julien Vitek

• if you attended last year, you can expect more vendors this year, and of course a lot more food!

• artisan demonstrations

• games and entertainment for all ages, such as bocce, palo della cuccagna, calcetto, and more

• like last year, our display of fabulous Italian cars and motorcycles will be available for viewing and photos!

  Selfies are free ;)

• Parking is very limited, so please consider your transportation: we’ll have a bike valet once again, and we have great bus service by BC Transit with Routes 10, 14,15, 24 & 25

Italian Picnic at the Park

To all members of the VIAC club, the annual summer picnic is here again!

Summer is finally here, and so is the Annual Summer Picnic! We are hoping to see you, your friends, and your family at our event. There will be great food, as always, fun games, great company and conversations, and music.     

Date: Sunday, July 21, 2024

Time: Picnic starts at 12:00 pm.   Lunch is served at 2:00

Location: South Vancouver Island Rangers: 3498 Luxton Road. The site is located in the municipality of Langford, off Luxton Road, and adjacent to The Galloping Goose Trail.

Directions From Victoria:

1.    Head out of town on the Trans Canada (Highway #1) in the direction of the Malahat

2.    Leave the highway and join the Old Island Highway (#1A) at junction 10

3.    Continue on Old Island Highway for 8.2 km, road name changes to Sooke Road by Thrifty’s in Colwood

4.    At the junction with Happy Valley Road turn left onto Happy Valley Road

5.    After 1.7 km take the right onto Luxton Road

 Gate to club is on the left after 220m

MENU:

Hamburger (with or without cheese), lettuce, tomatoes, and choice of condiments: $12.00

Sausage with peppers and a bun: $15.00

Chicken thigh and leg with a bun: $20.00

*All meals served with green salad and potato salad.

*All meals served with dessert: Ice cream and watermelon.

*Children 10 years of age and under pay $10.00 for their meals.

*Please bring your own tables, chairs, plates, cutlery, and beverages. Feel free to bring along your own games!

There will be a concession, but it is CASH only. Pop will be sold for $2.00; San Pellegrino will be sold for $2.50. There will be candy bags, chips, etc.

Espresso will also be available at no cost.

There will be NO ALCOHOL SALES at this event.

Please call Pat at 250.479.1966 or Paolo at 778.676.3045 to reserve your spot.

You must reserve your spot and order your meal before you make your e-transfer at leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com. 

The deadline to make your reservation is Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Any help with clean-up after the picnic would be most appreciated!

We look forward to another enjoyable event, and we hope you will be a part of it!

If you’re not going to Italy this summer, then come experience Italy here at da Vinci Centre!

Come join us on June 23rd to experience a taste of Italy, in Victoria.

FATHER’S DAY LUNCH JUNE 16, 2024

FESTA DEL PAPA’/ PRANZO - 16 GIUGNO, 2024

LOCATION: 195 BAY STREET, VICTORIA B.C. V9A 3K4

Please see below for the details of the Father's Day Luncheon.

The doors open at 12:00 pm; lunch will be served at 1:00 pm.

MENU:

Lasagna with meat sauce or Vegetarian Lasagna

Breaded pork cutlet

String beans

Caesar Salad

Garlic bread

A selection of desserts

COST:

Ages 0 - 5         Free

Ages 6 - 10       $12.00

Ages 13 - 18     $25.00

The cost for members is $25.00. Non-members: $35.00. Members who are dads: FREE.

The bar (cash) will be open, so we ask that you kindly support the club by purchasing your alcohol at the event. No liquor purchased outside our club is permitted; no homemade wine. Thank you so much for your understanding and your support!

The specialty drinks of the event are Negroni and Spritz. Cost is $6.00 each.

There will also be a raffle (cash).

For reservations, please call Paolo De Paoli at 778.676.3045 or Patrizia Barbon at 250.479.1966. The cutoff to call is Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

The Da Vinci Centre will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a Luncheon on Sunday, May 12th.

Menu:

Roasted Chicken Thighs

Roasted Potatoes

Asparagus and Eggs

Cabbage and Carrots

Salad and Buns

Veggie/Vegan option:  Meatless Meatloaf

Dessert

___________________________________________________

Doors will open at 12:00 noon; Lunch will be served at 1:00 pm.

PRICE:   Members: $25.00           Non Members: $35.00

*Members who are Mammas are free! 

Children:  0-5   years old    Free

                 6-12 years old     $12.00

Bar: Cash sales

Raffle: Cash sales

*(Members may bring a bottle of their own homemade wine. NO store bought wine is permitted, as that can be purchased at our bar).

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

BEFORE sending in an E-transfer you must call to reserve your seat.

After calling to reserve your seat or table you will need to send in your payment via E-transfer with the names of each person you are paying for. 

*Your seat will not be held until you have called and your payment is received.

**Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. This helps keep things clear and simple.

TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT:

 Please call:  Paolo De Paoli at 778- 676-3045 

 (Call by or before May 7th at noon.)

We look forward to seeing you all and having a fun afternoon!

Thank you, 

Patrizia Barbon 

Paolo De Paoli

and Festivities

ANNIVERSARY  69th  April 6, 2024

The Da Vinci Centre would like to invite everyone to our 69th Anniversary Dinner and Dance on Saturday, April 6, 2024!

Please remember that you MUST call Paolo at 778.676.3045, or Pat at 250.479.1966, to confirm your spot BEFORE making payment. Please call Pat to make arrangements for payment if you can not use e-transfer.

AFTER you have confirmed your spot, you can make payment at leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com. Payment will NOT be taken at the door on the day of the event.

Cut-off date to confirm your spot is Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 12:00 noon. This deadline can not be extended.

COST: $55.00 for members $65.00 for non-members

Doors Open at 6:00 pm Bar Open at 6:00 pm Dinner will be served at 7 pm

Please see below for the buffet menu:

SALADS:

Quinoa Salad with Sweet Peas, Chiffonade of Spinach, Caramelized Red Onions, with a Sun-dried Tomato Dressing

Caesar Salad with Sweet Romaine and Parmesan

Spring Mix Salad with Arugula, Italian Dressing

Assorted Breads with Butter Balls

HOT ITEMS:

Roasted Saanich Peninsula-Grown Summer Vegetable Medley featuring Zucchini, Sweet Bell Peppers, Baby Carrots, Sweet Peas, and Asparagus

Baby Savory Roasted Potatoes

Spinach and Cheese Tortellini with BC Wild Mushrooms and Feta Cheese

ENTREES:

Fresh Chicken Breast Cutlet in Lemon Sauce (Italian Recipe)

Chef Carved Slow-roasted Angus Prime Rib Beef with Horseradish Cream and Red Wine Jus

Vegetarian Option: Tofu Asian Stir Fry with Noodles (Please indicate this option when you call to reserve your spot!)

DESSERTS:

Cake

Coffee and Tea

THE CARNEVALE LUNCHEON IS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone wearing costumes and masks! 

Gianfranco, our member and mask maker, who is originally from Venice, will have many of his hand made masks on display. Come by and learn about the history of Venetian mask making and have some fun trying on the masks!

Doors open at 12:30 pm.   Lunch to follow at 1:00 pm.

MENU: 

Spezzatino with potatoes, carrots, and peas.

Vegetarian Option: Lentils in a tomato sauce. Served with rice.

Salad. 

Polenta. 

Buns.
Dessert
Coffee and Tea

Price :   Members: $22.00

             Non Members: $30.00

0-5  years       no charge
6-11 years      $12.00

12-18 years    $22.00 ( members or not)

The Bar will be open! 

A bottle of wine: $22.00. 

A glass of wine, beer, cider, or highballs: $4.00. 

A glass of pop or juice: $1.00.

Cut off to reserve your spot is FEBRUARY 13th.

Please call Patrizia Barbon to reserve your seat or table at 250.479.1966. If you need to leave a message, please leave your name and phone number, and Pat will return your call to confirm your spot.

The preferred payment method is e-transfer: leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com, or make other arrangements when you call Pat.  

Festa di Carnevale: Domenica 18 febbraio 2024

Apertura ore: 12:30   Il pranzo sarà servito alle 13

Costo: Soci  $22.00

Non soci  $30.00

0-5 anni     gratis 

6-11 anni    $12.00 

12-18 anni  $22.00 (soci e non soci)

MENU
Spezzatino con patate, carote, e piselli.

Opzione Vegetariana: Lenticchie con salsa al pomodoro e riso.

Insalata mista

Polenta

Pane
Dolce
Caffè o tè

Bar aperto!

Vino: $22.00 a bottiglia. 
1 bicchiere di vino, birra, sidro o altro: $4.00.
Bibite gassate o succhi: $1.00.

Si prega chiamare entro il 13 febbraio 2024.

Per prenotare: chiamare a Patrizia Barbon 250-479-1966.

Per favore, lasciare un messaggio con il vostro nome e numero di telefono e sarete richiamati per la conferma. 

Il metodo di pagamento preferito e' trasferimento E: leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com, o prendere altri accordi quando chiami Pat.

Butchart Gardens  

DECEMBER 17th

Times:

3:00 pm at the Da Vinci for hot drinks and to board the bus

3:30 pm bus leaves the Centre

4:00 pm stop and pick up at Beaver Lake entrance

4:30 pm arrival at Butchart gardens

6:30 pm dinner

7:30 pm departure

8:00 pm return to the Da Vinci Centre

Payment:

Member adult $ 35.00

Member’s Youth 13-17 yrs old $ 17.50

Member’s child 5-12 yrs old $ 3.00

Members that hold a Season pass pay $10.00 for the bus

Non member $ 35.00+ $ 10.00 (bus seat)

Non member’s youth 13-17 yrs old $ 17.50 +$ 10.00 for the bus

Non member’s child. 5-12 yrs old $3.00+10.00 for the bus

E Transfer payments to 

leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY - BRUNCH

DECEMBER 3rd   (doors open at 10:45- brunch 11:15)

Brunch Menu

Pancakes, Scrambled eggs, Bacon, Sausages, Fruit sauce and whip cream, syrup  for pancake topping, and dessert.

Members Children 0-12  -           $10 (includes gift and brunch)

Non Members children 0-12        $35 (includes gift and brunch)

ALL Adults (12 and up)                $15 brunch

Please join us whether you have a little one or not!  You're never to old to enjoy a Christmas brunch, and a visit with Santa!

Please Call

Patrizia Barbon  250 479-1966    MUST call to reserve  by November 21 2023

ET  payments     leonardodavinci.payments.com

CENTRO DA VINCI   53mo ANNIVERSARIO  

DOMENICA 12 NOVEMBRE 2023

APERTURA  SALA ALLE  ORE  11:00

PRANZO ALLE 12:00

PREZZO: $ 10,00 MEMBRI --------

DAI 0-10 ANNI GRATIS PER TUTTI

FIGLI DEI SOCI 11-18 ANNI $ 10,00

NON MEMBRI $ 25,00

FIGLI DI NON MEMBRI $ 25,00

MENU

PANE

 SPAGHETTI  AL RAGU’

PER VEGETARIANI/VEGANI -SPAGHETTI AL SUGO DI POMODORO

INSALATA MISTA

BISTECCA CON PATATE E CAROTE ARROSTITE

POLPETTONE  VEGANO (A BASE DI CECI) CON PATATE E CAROTE ARROSTITE

DOLCE

BAR  aperto

Per prenotare si prega di chiamare Giovanna entro  sabato 4 novembre al 250.474.5416 

Per favore specificare se si vuole il cibo vegetariano/vegan

E-Transfer : leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com

DA VINCI CENTRE  53rd ANNIVERSARY  LUNCH         

SUNDAY    NOVEMBER 12, 2023

DOORS OPEN AT    11:00

LUNCH AT   12:00 PM

PRICE:  $ 10.00 MEMBERS

0-10 YRS OLD FREE FOR EVERYONE

MEMBERS’ CHILDREN  11-18 YRS OLD $ 10.00

NON MEMBERS ------$ 25.00

NON MEMBERS CHILDREN 11YRS OLD AND UP    $ 25.00

MENU

-Bread

-SPAGHETTI  WITH RAGU’ SAUCE

FOR VEGETARIAN/VEGAN: SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATOES’ SAUCE

GREEN SALAD

STEAK WITH ROASTED POTATOES AND CARROTTS

FOR VEGETARIAN/VEGAN:

LOAF /SLICE (CHICK PEAS BASE) TOPPED WITH TOMATO SAUCE WITH ROASTED POTATOES AND CARROTTS

DESSERT

 OPEN BAR

 E-Transfer  payments     leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com

TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE LUNCH PLEASE CALL Giovanna  by Saturday November 4th, at 250.474.5416

WHEN ORDERING PLEASE SPECIFY  IF YOU ARE  VEGETARIAN AND /OR VEGAN

Messa in italiano la domenica 16 luglio alla chiesa St Joseph con padre Alfredo alle ore 12 in occasione della festa della Madonna del San Carmelo.

Mass in Italian on Sunday, July 16 at the church St Joseph with Father Alfredo at 12 on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of St Carmel.

Reminder of the General Meeting on Sunday, June 4th, at 7 p.m.

After the meeting, dessert, coffee, and tea will be served! 

MENU MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON    MAY 14,2023

CUT OFF DATE MAY 9, 2023

Calls after May 9 will be put on a waiting list

PAYMENT:   leonardodavinci.payments@gmail.com

----Time:  12 PM pm doors open         1pm  LUNCHEON  upper hall          

MEMBERS:    mothers   FREE  -

Cost  $ 30.00    for all adults and teens (13 and up)  

COST $ 15 0-5 YRS FREE   children 6-12 yrs   

ALL Non- members $40.00 

For reservations  please call: Giovanna: 250.474.5416

***Please give your choice of meat or vegetarian option  at the time of reservation

 Bar is open and will serve beer and wine  and pop

MENU

BREAD

FLAVOURED  RICE WITH CHICKEN PIZZAIOLA WITH TOMATOE SAUCE

***Vegetarian option STUFFED PEPPER WITH RICE

ROASTED MIXED VEGETABLES (NO MUSHROOMS OR EGGPLANT)

POLENTA SERVED FAMILY STYLE

MIXED GREEN SALAD

DESSERT   ICE CREAM WITH STRAWBERRIES      COFFEE /TEA

Let’s get together

We’re hosting a comedy event and we’d love to see you there. Join us for Music and Comedy - Welcome to the Family, April 23, 2023, at 3:00 PM.

Register soon because space is limited.

We hope you’re able to join us at 195 Bay St !

Sunday, April 23, 2023 3:00 p.m.

Music and Comedy - Welcome to the Family

Register

CARNEVALE LUNCH           

 Sunday, Feb 26,2023

----Time:1-3 pm    upper hall

Doors open at 12 noon

Cost  $ 20.00 for adults and teens (13 and up) 

$ 12.00 for children 6-12 yrs   

Non-members $ 25.00   

Family and friends are invited         

 RSVP  By  February 20,2023     

-Menu :

-Polenta and sausage/ vegetarian meatballs

-Pizzette and focaccia    -Salad  -Dessert: assorted desserts    -Bring your own wine

It is a fun event, therefore, everyone, young and old, is invited to dress up…or to wear a mask (no Halloween please)

Costume rentals and or mix and match a costume? Where to go?

Langham Court Costume loft    805 Langham Crt. Victoria (off Richardson St.)

Disguise The Limit, rental  3328 Metchosin Rd.

Gianfranco will have a table at the lunch, with his  great choice of mask to choose from

To reserve Call Giovanna 250-474-5416

Pay by E transfer (or have a member of the family do it for you)

LEONARDODAVINCI.PAYMEMTS@GMAIL.COM  and specify Carnevale Luncheon

Fun Painting Masks for children

- Saturday, February 11, 2023

- Bring a friend         

-Cost $ 5.00

-Age 3-10 yrs old        Time 1:00-3:00 pm lower hall

-Supplies will be provided

-Parents with younger children are expected to stay

RSVP by February 4-2023   call    Patrizia at 250 479-1966

In collaboration with the Swiss Consulate, Uvic Italian studies dept,

The Da Vinci Centre at 195 Bay St is proud to present the author:

Fabio Andina, writer, from the Ticino area

Free to the public

Free parking available

Refreshments will follow

Fabio Andina website

General Meeting

Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 3p.m.

After the meeting, there will be an early dinner served for anyone who would like to stay:

spaghetti with marinara sauce, sausages, and dessert. Coffee and tea will also be served.

SUNDAY, September 11th

MEETING 7:00 PM

For those interested in Italian pioneers buried at Ross Bay cemetery:

Sept. 4. RBC. 2 pm, Italian Pioneers. During and after the 1858 gold rush, many Italians settled in Victoria. They became important members of the community in business, the arts and community service. Giovanna Greco will tell the stories of some of the early Italian pioneers who came to Victoria and stayed.

Ross  Bay cemetery is located on Fairfield across the Thrifty  shopping Centre, 2nd entrance 

**Per coloro interessati il 4 settembre alle ore 2pm Giovanna Greco sarà al Ross Bay Cemetery per parlare dei primi pionieri arrivati a Victoria durante il 1858, durante la corsa all’oro e che hanno deciso di rimanere lasciando delle impronte ancor oggi presenti nella nostra città.

SUNDAY, MAY 1

MEETING 7:00 PM