Current CCRA president Kathy Rowe was joined by past presidents Eva Nichol, Jeff Forsyth, Jennifer McKelvie and Gaye Cowbourne to cut the cake.
By Kathy McGrath
Centennial residents enjoyed a day of collective fun on Saturday, October 19 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Centennial Community and Recreation Association. Created in 1949, the association is one of the longest-serving groups of its kind in the city.
The day began with the continuation of the Community Challenge mobile phone app game, which started the day before and had 110 teams vying for the top prize of $1,000. (See our centre pages for coverage of the game.) When the games were done, residents gathered for a celebration at St. Dunstan Anglican Church on Lawson Road.
Approximately 200 people attended the party where cake and refreshments were served. Event organizer Heather Lemieux announced the game winners and then drew raffle prizes donated by local groups and businesses. Many people gave heartfelt speeches, all emphasizing the importance of the CCRA in strengthening our community.
“This association is a driver in making sure our community is clean and safe,” said MP Gary Anandasangaree. Past president Gaye Cowbourne pointed to the CCRA’s environmental advocacy as a big plus, recalling how it ensured guidelines were strictly followed when the Johns-Manville Plant was dismantled 30 years ago.
Councillor Jennifer McKelvie lauded the CCRA for its environmental preservation efforts, sound land use and for providing family-friendly events. MPP Vijay Thanigasalam thanked the many community volunteers who form the backbone of the CCRA, and without whom the association could not survive.
Tilley Drive residents Anthony and Kathy Mangos, along with daughters Christina and Emily, said the scavenger hunt and party were a fun way to support the community. “Our neighbours were discussing it and encouraging each other to form teams,” said Anthony. “The game made us observe things in our community we never noticed before.” Despite living in the area for 10 years, they said this was the first time they’d been in St. Dunstan Church.
CCRA president Kathy Rowe accepted certificates of recognition, via our local representatives, from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford. Councillor McKelvie announced that Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto City Council proclaimed October 19 as Centennial Community and Recreation Association Day in Toronto.
Local resident Trevor Crawford created a commemorative video featuring former association presidents and local residents. In the video, long-time resident Fran Keeler reminisced about the history of the community and reminded people that the original Legion had a dirt floor!
We’ve come a long way, Centennial!