In 1996, a group of dedicated volunteers came together around a simple idea: if these were to be the golden years, they should be spent in good company. Thirty years later, Villa Marconi’s L’Età D’Oro is one of Ottawa’s most cherished community organizations for adults aged 50 and over.
For a modest membership fee, the organization offers a variety of opportunities to stay active and connected with others. Activities include exercise classes, women’s bocce, bingo and day trips. Events are treasured throughout the year, but especially during the winter months, which many older Italians find unbearably long.
The flagship event is the pranzo at the Marconi Centre, which takes place on the last Tuesday of every month. On average, the event attracts over 200 people. For those who wish to participate, the three-course meal is preceded by Mass, celebrated by the parish priest of St. Anthony of Padua Church.
While the majority in attendance are in the 50-plus crowd, the gatherings are typically multi-generational, including giovani pensionati and community leaders often joining friends and family members around the tables.
Seventeen-year-old Nico Tripi does whatever it takes to attend the luncheon each month. He looks forward to the gathering, along with his twin brother, Louis, and a handful of first cousins. Three generations come together at one table, including his nonna and zia, both in their early to mid-90s.
When asked how he manages to fit the lunch into his schedule, Tripi acknowledges that while most of the time he gets lucky and the date aligns with a school holiday, he has also made necessary sacrifices.
“Sometimes, I take off school for that day, just so I can attend the lunch. It’s more than worth it!”
Mirella Durofil is another regular at the luncheon, sitting at a table comprised almost entirely of energetic widows, all over the age of 85. When asked if the food is to her satisfaction, Durofil quickly responds: “Meglio di un mattrimonio.”
High praise indeed. If you haven’t been to a traditional Italian wedding reception in a while, a L’Età D’Oro lunch could provide the fix.
The 30th anniversary edition of the luncheon included a few extras: a free glass of wine and a performance by Coro Villa Marconi. The music continued with 98-year-old Nicolino Giamberardino going from table to table on his organetto, delighting everyone along the way.
The milestone provided a moment to reflect on the organization’s commitment to enhancing the social and emotional well-being of the Italian community in Ottawa.
“Seeing so many people gathered together for this special anniversary is a wonderful demonstration of the community spirit, friendship and support that have characterised L’Età D’Oro all these years,” said Teresa Barbera, Chair of L’Eta d’Oro.
Alongside its social mission, L’Età D’Oro also has an important charitable role. The organized events raise tens of thousands of dollars each year for Villa Marconi, with more than $1 million raised for the long-term care facility since 1996.
“I am very proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey,” continues Barbera.
The most precious table is outside the main banquet hall, in the foyer of the Marconi Centre. It is here that the volunteers finally sit down to eat their lunch, after everyone else has been served. Still in their aprons, they share a meal together along with a few laughs. Without their participation, it would be hard to imagine how the organization’s charitable goals would be met.
Looking to the future, Barbera expressed her best wishes for L’Età D’Oro.“May it continue to bring friendship, support and hope to our community for many years to come.”
because if we are lucky our golden years will be as loving and as much fun, great work, much love and continued laughter and celebration……..gianna patriarca