Mario Silva holding his God Son - NATANIEL

The Davenport MP wrote to the Ontario Minster of Transportation, Honourable Jim Bradley, to express his concerns over the use of diesel trains and to urge a shift towards the safer and more sustainable infrastructure offered by electric trains.

“My first and foremost priority is for the health and safety of my constituents and indeed all residents of Toronto.  Simply put, every effort must be made to ameliorate any potential negative health factors surrounding the completion of this project and of course once service has begun.  While more trains does indeed mean less cars, and less car emissions, we must consider carefully the costs of all alternatives, and never sacrifice short term ease for long term detriment.”
Over the past few months, community groups and concerned residents have been sharing their opinions on the new rail link that will principally impact the West Diamond Area of the Davenport Riding.

Residents understand the benefits offered by improved access.  Lower congestion and wait times will mean easier movement through the city.  This cannot, however, come at the expense of the environment nor can it create health concerns.

Italian-Walk-of-Fame-2009

Pictured from left to right: Giancarlo Giannini – Internationally Acclaimed Academy-Award Nominated Actor – Connie Francis – “America’s Sweetheart of Song” and International Best-Selling Artist – Phil Esposito – Hockey Legend and Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee – Rudy Bratty – Real Estate Developer, Described as “The Man who Built Toronto” – Julian Fantino – Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police – Lenny Lombardi on behalve of Johnny Lombardi – Pioneer Broadcaster and Community Leader

It was the last of the CNE as the planes flew by

on this beatiful day.  A proud day for “Little Italy” as Lenny Lombardi spoke:  “I feel like Little Italy is the centre of the universe right now. My father would be very happy at the gathering today because he loved this community” Lombardi said

“My father was born and raised here but he could never be lured out of the neighbourhood. He would be very proud today.”

Lenny Lombardi on behalf of his Dad’s  posthumous Walk of Fame award

Mario Silva’s “15 Years Of Public Service"

Teresita Sotolongo Ambassador to Cuba

From the 50′S through to the 60′5, the College Street Lillie Italy area became the first new home in Canada to hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants. And this is where you crowd hear their beloved music of southern Italy’s the regions of Calabria, Napdi, Puglia. Sicilia, and more… emanating from the porches and backyards of every Italian home in Toronto. Along with the sounds, came the traditional Sunday feast which brought friends and family together for fine foods. wines, and music.

FOOD$ OF FIERA…

As Lillie Italy celebrates this wonderful FIERA (harvest) tradition with Italian music, our restaurateurs rediscover the unique foods from the southern regions of Italy that inspired and excited harvest lime in Southern Italy. Experience the authentic foods of the south: Trippa. Polpetti. Pesci fritti, porchetta, Pizza a-la Napolilano, gelato, all prepared in the traditional way…as “Sagras” for $1-$5 other restaurants will feature portions of their menus as “Tastes” for $1-$5. All restaurants will participate with full menus as well, and some will feature extended patios and hours.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Sabatum Quartet is perhaps the most original and unique group of its kind. Ethnic and folk music is stripped of its dogmas and ‘corrupted” while keeping its characteristics intact. Their music embraces everything from the typical “tarantella Calabrese” traditional songs, to socio-political and original pieces. The innovative arrangements, the 7 voice polyphony and rhythms chat B. beyond the traditional Italian “groove” such as tango, flamenco, rock and others genres are the elements that make Sabatum Quartet stand out from the rest.

College Street BIA has brought together many Canadian-Italian entertainers for the weekend’s festivities, Stroll along College Street Saturday and Sunday and enjoy Me sounds of Italian music performed on each block throughout Little Italy from fpm to 11pm. Dancing in the streets and under the stars is all part of the street festival appeal and is very much encouraged!

At Palmerston Stage, presented by CHIN Radio will be the SABATUM QUARTET “the evolution of Southern Italian Folk Music”" direct from Calabria Italy; With the Region, Calabria highlighted with its music and foods at Fiera 2009. the modern Taranta folk band Sabatum will add to the ambiance and excitement of Calabrese entertainment The SABATUM QUARTET will be featured both Saturday evening and Sunday evening. Also featured on the Palmerston Stage on Sunday September 6′” at 5pm, Is the Annual Johnny Lombardi Canadian Italian Song Competition – our own and unique “Little Italy Canadian Idol Show when 20 contestants will vie for over $4,000 in cash and prizes, and radio and television exposure on CHIN Radio/Tv International

“I am very proud to offer this Italian cultural experience to all residents of Toronto,” said Lenny Lombardi. Chair of Little Italy BIA, and President of CHIN Radio/Tv International.. My father, Johnny Lombardi, was passionate about the Italian culture and the desire to share it with all Canadians. Where better to experience Italian culture. music and cuisine. than in the heart of Little Italy on College Street”

FIERA 2009 is truly a celebration of all things Italian! In Little Italy on College Street Saturday and Sunday September 5′”and 6′”, 2009. Admission is FREE. Street closure in effect. From Bathurst to Shaw.

When deciding on where exactly to place the Stars it made sense to choose the city of Toronto, Canada. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto has the largest population of Italians outside of Italy and is, therefore, the perfect city to host this celebration. We hope that its establishment will not only educate but also inspire those who visit it. And so, it is with great personal pride that I introduce the Italian Walk of Fame to you.

Stars of achievement will be presented to:

Giancarlo Giannini – Internationally Acclaimed Academy-Award Nominated Actor

Phil Esposito – Hockey Legend and Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee

Johnny Lombardi – Pioneer Broadcaster and Community Leader

Rudy Bratty – Real Estate Developer, Described as “The Man who Built Toronto”

Julian Fantino – Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police

Connie Francis – “America?s Sweetheart of Song” and International Best-Selling Artist

Stars will be placed permanently in the sidewalk in “Little Italy” and will be unveiled annually during a red carpet ceremony followed by a gala awards dinner.

Tickets for the Gala Awards dinner following the unveiling are available at www. italianwalkoffame.com