Articles by: Romina Monaco
Romina Monaco Blog

Power Of The Mind

Someone give me a medal – and not for losing 30 lbs weight loss but instead for blogging these ‘before’ photos!!

These are definitely NOT my most flattering shots but I felt it was important to bare all because I’ve been told for decades that losing weight during perimenopause was IMPOSSIBLE.  Well, they were wrong!

As many of you know via my social media postings the shift in my hormones (in addition to severe stress brought on by my dear mother’s passing) caused a variety of issues including this weight gain and although I packed on 25 lbs in just a couple of years the purpose of embarking on this journey was not to be skinny, but instead to be HEALTHY!!

My last birthday was the big eye-opener. I thought, “How do I want to live the rest of my life? And do I really want poor health to be the culprit that makes me dependent on others in my later years?’ Suddenly, my mortality became a reality.

It’s not easy for me to admit I had lost control of my health.  However, through these images and my story I want to show women experiencing the painful reality of weight gain during perimenopause that they can indeed lose weight and feel good again.  Although Dr. Micheal Carozza of Applemed Clinic  (a.k.a.Dr. Mike) has been an essential guide and wealth of knowledge I wouldn’t have lost a pound if I was not disciplined.  On my first appointment dated March 16, I expressed my doubts to Dr. Mike. It felt like a pipe dream. However, after my first 5 lbs loss I was elated and knew without a doubt that I would lose my intended 30 lbs goal.

I’ve received hundreds of messages from women inquiring about the ‘diet’ I am on and what ‘the secret’ is.  There’s no gimmick diet here and easy way out! My meals are a balance of healthy food choices. The secret? It’s all in the POWER OF THE MIND.  You can have all the tools but if you’re not patient, determined and do the work that’s involved, then you won’t lose the weight. Plain and simple. Your mind can either be your prison (woe is me!) or the gateway to freedom (yes, I can do this!).

All I can say is that I’m relieved to feel like my old myself again.. and to finally fit into all my clothes! Coming soon will be some tips I learned from Dr. Mike.  If you’re perimenopausal and gaining, YOU CAN DO IT TOO!
Romina Monaco Blog

Introducing…Me!

‘Adversity introduces a man to himself’ – this quote from Albert Einstein came to mind over a month ago in a moment where I felt I could not go on.  I’d spent the last year in hospitals dealing with my mother’s illness and her traumatic death due to ovarian cancer. Yes, watching my extremely active mother take her last breath was traumatizing and is etched in my memory forever.

Despite being her caregiver, I was still working and at the same time I launched my own COVID-19 initiative, Vaughan Together, which became a full-time job as the need was so great.  My dream of writing for Hello Canada magazine also came to fruition during this time.  In addition to this workload, I was managing my anger towards my mom’s gynecologist who misdiagnosed her…and neglected her. Could she have been saved?  One week following my mom’s passing my father underwent heart surgery and the day after his hospital release he was rushed to emergency with complications.  It was here that I cracked. ⚡ S Sprawled on my bed, engulfed in total rage and despair, Einstein’s words came to me and knew I was at a crossroads in my life.

I’d seen people paralyzed by their grief and change forever. I was not going to be that person. The love and support from family and friends was vital but what ultimately got me through was my faith in the mystery of God.  Although my human eyes saw injustice in respects to my mom, I knew in my spirit this was her destiny and the pact she made with God before coming to this earth – just as I have a destiny and you have a destiny. Although I didn’t (and still don’t) understand the reason for her fate, in that moment I realized I was being given a choice and in the days following my faith became unwavering. Through adversity and free will, I was introduced to myself – I am strong and my spirit will never be defeated.  For all my friends in despair, it is time you are introduced to yourself! Find your faith, believe in the unexplainable and know there is a bigger plan and reason for everything.
Romina Monaco In The News

Vaughan Together For Long-Term Care

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, community members Romina Monaco and Jason Polsinellli created and launched Vaughan Together for Long Term Care, an initiative supporting frontline staff and residents by way of prepared meals and musical performances. Launched April 24, a total of 7500 meals donated by local businesses, restaurants and food companies were delivered to Villa Leonardo Gambin, Villa Colombo Vaughan, Mariann Home and St. Bernard’s Residence. This vital initiative was topped off with 374 care packages for the heroes who bravely dedicated themselves to welfare of seniors.

1. Jason Polsinelli (Co-Founder, Vaughan Together), Romina Monaco (Co-Founder, Vaughan Together), Tony Monaco (Z103.5) and musician Carlo Coppola 2. Frontline heroes of Villa Leonardo Gambin 3. Sponsors, Ice Cream Patio 4. Donors Goffredo and Carmela Vittulo (Mosaik Homes) with staff of Nove Ristorante at Richview Manor 5. Romina Monaco, sponsor Piero Carbone (Garden Foods) and Tony Monaco 6. Vaughan Together team with frontline heroes of Villa Colombo Vaughan
Romina Monaco Feature Articles

From Canada to Hollywood: Roberta Battaglia


Do you guys feel proud of me?” 10-year-old Roberta Battaglia asks sweetly as she turns to hear her parents’ answer. “We are very proud of you!” mom Gabriella chimes in without hesitation. “I was so happy for you because I was seeing your dream come true. It’s what you’ve wanted and spoke about since you were a little girl.”

Roberta became the talk of the town earlier this year when she wowed the America’s Got Talent judgeswithherpowerfulrendition of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow” – a performance that prompted Sofía Vergara to press the Golden Buzzer, fast-tracking Roberta to the show’s semi-finals, expected to unfold in August. It was a moment that Roberta later told the judges was a dream come true. “She was perfect,” adds her father, Alessandro, a fellow musician who sings and plays instruments such as the piano and saxophone. “I’m so happy for Roberta. She sang amazing.”

The Toronto native has shown her musical flair since she was a toddler. She made her first public performance at age three when she picked up a microphone dur- ing one of her dad’s gigs and began singing with him onstage.

Click here to read the full article in HELLO! Canada magazine.
Romina Monaco In The News

City Life Magazine: Vaughan Together For Long-Term Care

In just two months, Jason Polsinelli, Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager and Associate Director with Scotia Wealth Management and his grassroots VTLTC initiative have provided a staggering 7,000 meals to frontline heroes.

In the late winter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world with such uncontrollable force that life as everyone knew it changed almost overnight. One of the most affected by this global crisis were the vulnerable and elderly residing in long-term care facilities, who found themselves in a desperate situation requiring an emergency response from Canadians far and wide. Rising to the challenge in the city of Vaughan, Ont., was Jason Polsinelli, Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager and Associate Director with Scotia Wealth Management, and his grassroots Vaughan Together For Long-Term Care initiative. The mission of this impromptu project, launched April 24, is to provide relief in the form of food donations, and within a two- month period a staggering 7,000 meals were served to front-line heroes at five facilities: Villa Colombo Vaughan, The Mariann Home, Villa Leonardo Gambin, St. Bernard’s Residence and Richview Manor.

“I couldn’t stand back. I watched the stories unfold in the beginning and saw our most vulnerable get hit with this crisis. My father is in a long-term care facility with dementia, so the story really hit home for me, and I decided to do something,” says Polsinelli, who took the bull by the horns and immediately reached out to long-time friend and fellow community advocate, Romina Monaco. Joining forces, they created this vital and necessary initiative to support the city’s seniors and their long- term health-care providers. “I wanted to assist the heroes who are actually helping our most vulnerable. Providing food and other things to these front-line champions who fight this battle every day within the residences was the best gesture I thought we could do to help,” he explains.

Spiking staff shortages along with the isolation of seniors caused distress not only within the long-term care system, but also for families who are separated from their loved ones. Tragic news headlines and a sense of solidarity had Vaughan Together co-founders answering daily calls from friends and businesses, asking how they could assist in order to ease the strain. “It’s a great initiative that just snowballed with a whole bunch of people and businesses from the community coming together and helping,” explains Polsinelli.

Partnering with food companies and local restaurants, Vaughan Together delivered prepared meals to front-line staff working overtime in extremely stressful conditions. “They were absolutely exhausted,” says Monaco. “Offering ready-made meals lightened the load, and they were able to forge on and care for our seniors. We could just see their stress lifting when we arrived, especially on the days we had music,” she adds, referring to Vaughan Together’s outdoor performances showcasing celebrated Toronto musicians Carlo Coppola, Claudio Santaluce and Marco Stornelli. “Staff would come outside to dance, while residents who had been confined to their rooms for almost two months were out on their balconies or enjoying the music by their windows. We wanted them to know they weren’t alone in this, and it was amazing to see their spirits rise through the power of music.”

Polsinelli says Vaughan Together owes a tremendous amount to the food donors who, despite the critical challenges facing their industry due to COVID-19, stepped up to the plate to give time and resources with some cooking on- location at the facilities. Generous partners include: Classic Group, Ice Cream Patio, Pizza Nova, Hero Certified Burgers, Cataldi Fresh Market, Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill, Cristina’s Tortina Shop, Tutto Gourmet Foods, Pasta It Forward, Di Manno Bakery, Ida Vivacqua Realtor and noted chefs Gianni Ceschia and Luciano Schipano.

In addition to regular meal deliveries, one of the facilities benefiting from the magical live shows is Villa Leonardo Gambin (VLG). “At the height of their loneliness and isolation, many residents of VLG were brought to tears by the uplifting parking-lot concerts that Romina and Jason arranged, featuring music reminiscent of better days,” states the facility’s board chair, Andrew Iacobelli. “We are incredibly grateful to Vaughan Together for recognizing the devastating effects of COVID-19 on long-term care
and rallying the community to step up and support those most directly affected by this awful virus.” Echoing this emotion is Magdalena Di Maria, general manager of Richview Manor. “This has all been very special and important to our residents and staff,” says Di Maria. “We have to remember that many of them have been practically taken away from their families. Working long hours and not being able to see their loved one has been very difficult.” Special thank you to our other donors, Mosaik Homes, Z103.5, Goffredo and Robert Vitullo and Lesley Scott, your support was immensely appreciated.

To give is greater than to receive, and the inspiring, philanthropic and dedicated co-founders of Vaughan Together mirror this age-old proverbial expression. “I have been blessed with all the opportunity that Vaughan, its businesses and residents have given me over the years,” says Polsinelli. “Giving back from a grassroots level is a big part of city and community building, and I am proud, in a small way, to be a part of that.”
Romina Monaco Feature Articles

Roberta Battaglia: A Star Is Born

Roberta Battaglia A Star Is Born

Look out, Celine! There’s another Canadian singing sen- sation on the horizon. And she’s only 10!

With a performance of the Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper hit “Shallow,” Roberta Battaglia, from Brampton, Ont., brought down the house on TV’s America’s Got Talent and won over the judges, too. Thanks to Sofía Vergara (right, 2nd R), Roberta received the “Golden Buzzer,” fast-forwarding her to the finals, which are expected to take place in August.

“I’m really overwhelmed with excitement because of everything that’s happening right now,” Roberta told Hello! Canada on the heels of her performance. “This means the world to me.”

It means a lot to her parents, too, who have sup- ported her passion for years. “All this began when I took her to see her [musician] father, Alessandro, play in restaurants,” says her mom, Gabriella, reflect- ing on Roberta’s journey. “She would walk over to him, pick the microphone off the floor and just start singing. We were shocked because she was only three at the time.”
Since then, Roberta has worked on her craft, playing galas, festivals and appearing on TV. Now, with a chance at becoming the reality show’s youngest-ever winner of its million-dollar prize, it seems the sky is the limit.

“We just want her to be happy,” says Gabriella. “Whatever she decides to do in the future, we’ll support her.”
Romina Monaco Advertorials & Business Profiles

Brando’s Clothing


Following a momentous win at the 2019 Business Achievement Awards presented by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, business partners Helen Brandao and Sandra Senatore of Brando’s Clothing sit with snapd Vaughan to discuss their unprecedented success in the women’s fashion retail market. From its launch in 1985 as a small jean store in the once remote area of Market Lane, Woodbridge to surviving several de- bilitating economic hardships, not only has Brando’s Clothing endured and surpassed the test of time but it has also thrived. Since opening its doors the store has become a household name in Vaughan, doubling its retail space to house a total of fty fash- ion lines which include everything from stilettos and evening gowns to ip- ops and casual wear. “We’ve survived three recessions where half of Market Lane was empty. We made it through with the loyalty of our customers,” explains Brandao who started the business with her husband, Tony Brandao. “At rst I thought they were crazy. I would have to pass cows before I got here,” laughs Senatore, who was an employee until 1987 when she was offered a partnership in the business. With a nine year age difference between the co-owners it is no wonder that the relationship is founded on mentorship.

“I’ve been in business thirty-four years and fty years in retail and had a passion for business since I was a young girl playing cashier,” says Brandao who has taken the role of business administrator while Senatore’s expertise is in customer service as well as community development. “Sandra was a young girl when I hired her and although I trained her, I learned a lot from her too,” adding that her partner has become like a daughter, having taught Brandao patience and to enjoy life while living in the mo- ment. As for Senatore, “Helen has been my teacher and learning from her is what has driven me. The partnership has opened my eyes to opportunities where I’ve been able to meet wonderful people and pursue my vision.” Although Senatore thrives on connecting with organizations and venturing into community, her greatest passion is working with a blank canvas. “I get excited when someone says to me ‘I don’t know what to wear,’” she admits. “Especially when I see someone who is not quite put to- gether because I know underneath there is a ower. I want to help them and not just in regards to their clothing but also their hair, makeup and the overall look.” The fact that Brando’s Clothing is the last remaining original store in Market Lane is not based on luck and according to the partners the vested interest and thoughtfulness taken to customer’s needs has been a key element to its success. “Many stores have gone and many new stores have come into Vaughan but I’m not afraid of competition. We have our own vision and a great loyalty from those who have shopped here since the beginning. We want to make them happy and buy with them in mind,” says Senatore.

In addition to offering above par customer service including trendy and elegant, qual- ity merchandise at affordable prices, the business also places value on philanthropy. As a cornerstone of the Woodbridge community and having grown simultaneously with the city of Vaughan, Brando’s Clothing supports numerous local causes such as Waves of Changes for Autism, Joey Conte Foundation, Nanny Angel Network and many more. Today the store enters a new chapter with its swanky renovations, sourc- ing of new lines, a popular social media platform and additional projects to come and with more mountains to climb, Brandao says it best, “Winning the Vaughan Business Achievement Award means the world to us and an honour to be recognized by our peers. Yes, it’s a great pat on the back but it inspires us to work even harder.’