This ethos of inclusion is something that continues to attract newcomers to the neighbourhood – they know there is something different and special about this community. But the reasons – the who, what, where, when, and why – are unclear or unknown to most residents of this community.The Ralph Thornton Community Centre is both a part of that history, and, in its “Town Hall” function, a shared custodian of the stories that make up our neighbourhood.

We are seeking to share those stories with the community, and are partnering with the Saulter Street Brewery, to host a series of “Riverdale Stories” evenings – opportunities to hear about the people, events, and places that have made Riverdale the community it is today. We are planning a series of monthly events, each with a speaker or two, where ‘old-timers’ can come and share their stories with residents – old and new.

We are launching this on Tuesday, September 25, with an invitation to you to join us for a pint or two, and talk about what those stories are – some are easy to identify, like the battle to ‘get the lead out’ of South Riverdale, or the battle to keep Walmart out – but there are many more, like the “Ward Seven Musicals” or the work of the Greater Riverdale Organization. And just who WAS Ralph Thornton?? Please join us to reminisce, to brainstorm, and maybe to run into people you haven’t seen for years – or maybe decades!

We hope to see you at 7:30 at the Saulter Street Brewery (1-31 Saulter Street, behind Mustard Seed, a short block east and south of RTCC). We will provide the snacks (and a “designer” RTCC baseball cap) to everyone who joins us on the 25th.

And PLEASE forward this invitation to anyone you know who would enjoy, or be able to contribute to this initial discussion – sorry for the short notice, but this is the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing series of conversations among old – and new – friends. If you plan to attend – or are interested in being part of this as it progresses – please let me know by email – johnc@ralphthornton.org, or with a quick call at 416-392-6810 x 227.