Ralph Thornton Community Centre is having their Annual Open House on September 14th from 12pm to 5pm!!!

Storytime at the Queen/Saulter Library
At 10:30 AM, Librarian Judy Leung will be hosting storytime – titles for this session include “Every Bunny Dance” and “Puppy Pool Party”

“Friends of Ralph” Brunch
The day will include ‘business as usual’ at the Library, the South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre, and the RTCC Exchange Loft.   RTCC’s programming for the day will begin with a “Friends of Ralph” informal brunch from 11 AM to noon, open to current and former Board members, volunteers, staff, service users, community members, and supporters of the Centre – please join us for a complimentary coffee, pastries, fruit, and conversation.

Community Information Fair 
Our more ‘formal’ program will begin at noon, with community organization information tables in the Auditorium, including longtime partners like the South Riverdale Community Health Centre, and groups focused on urgent community issues such as the Lakeshore East Community Advisory Committee addressing proposed new transit plans for our neighbourhood. We’ve also invited local businesses – who are among our strongest supporters – to take advantage of this event by sharing their promotional information at the event.

RTCC Mentor Program 20th Anniversary 
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of RTCC’s Chinese Mentor Program, which links newcomer Chinese-speaking children (ages 6-12) with a mentor for a variety of after-school activities.  We will be showcasing the Mentor program with displays and information at the Community Information Fair.

Demonstrations and Dogs…
There will be demonstrations and performances staggered from noon to 2:30 PM, including a presentation by herbalist Danette Steele, who will also lead a neighbourhood plant walk. Our third floor ‘kids zone’ will feature a variety of children’s activities, including special guest ‘teams’ of child-friendly Saint John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs. There will be Lego, other children’s games, and a demonstration by Appleseed Yoga. Continuing RTCC’s focus on building  community engagement into all of our programming, there will be an opportunity for children to participate in the “Child friendly” consultation on the City’s of Toronto’s children’s services – in English and Chinese!

Drag Queens, and Disco!

At 2:30 PM, “Drag Queen Storytime” returns to the auditorium.  We are pleased to welcome Atmos Fierce back for this special event – followed at 3 PM by a Tea Dance which is a ‘mash-up’ of the Tea Club for Seniors dance group and the Parent-Child Centre’s toddler Friday Dance Parties – with everyone in between welcome to join in!  Once the last toddler has left the dance floor, we will revert to a more ‘adult’ dance party and conclude the festivities around 5 PM.

Copper Campey Guzman and Atmos Fierce at last year’s Drag Queen Storytime 

Guided Tours, “Joy of Writing” Book Sale, and more! 
The day, will also include a book sale, guided tours of the building (see the ‘behind the scenes’ workings of our iconic clock tower) and displays featuring much of the programming which takes place at RTCC.
For more information, check the RTCC Website at  http://www.ralphthornton.org, our Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/496064981226815/, or call RTCC Reception at 416 392-6810.

Come to learn more about programs and services!

HAPPINESS, CONNECTION, INSPIRATION
Facebook: /RalphThorntonCommunityCentre
Twitter: @ralphthornton
Website: www.ralphthornton.org