Thornhill Seniors Club

With the recent wintery weather we thought it was a good time to remind everyone of the City of Markham’s current offering of free or discounted Older Adult Activities at the Thornhill Community Centre.  These include Indoor Walking, Knitting & Crochet/Crafts (really just small social groups where you can do anything you like) and Snooker.

General Adult programs such as Table Tennis, Pickleball and Badminton are also available.

All of these activities must be pre-registered online or by phone and are being run with COVID safety protocols in place.  Space is limited.  If interested, see the City of Markham  on-line registration or call their Registration Desk during business hours at 905-477-5530 where they will be happy to assist you.

Please share this information with fellow Members who may not have access to the internet. 

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report the passing of long time TSC Volunteer, Gayle Ellis, on Sunday November 9th after battling a long illness.

Before the Thornhill Seniors Club was formed, for years Gayle was a key member of  The Golden 50’s Club – a Seniors group which ran activities in the Thornhill Community Centre.  This group eventually merged with TSC where Gayle was instrumental in the successful growth of our Club and it’s many activities, namely Osteofit, Bridge, Euchre and Bingo, where she also enjoyed convening.  Adding to that, Gayle became the Lead Volunteer of our Membership Desk where she volunteered her time 5 days a week to ensure the Club ran smoothly, rarely missing a day over 10+ years.

Gayle was always a great advocate for Seniors, often taking on the task of arranging petitions or contacting City council to fight for Seniors issues.  Her strong convictions and tireless dedication brought about many positive changes that Seniors in our community enjoy today.

Gayle was also a person who truly cared about others.  She was the first to arrange birthday, sympathy and get well soon cards for fellow Members.  She kept a close record of birthdays, so suprise celebration cakes at TSC were not uncommon thanks to Gayle.  She made the time to keep in touch with people, particularly some of the most vulnerable, who she showed a great sensitivity toward.  In fact, we have heard from Members that during this pandemic, Gayle had been one of few people who cared enough to call to see how they were doing, despite struggling with her own health.

Those privileged to know Gayle well knew that if you ever needed help with anything; whether to lend a hand, fight in your corner or boost your morale, she was there for you rain or shine.  She was strong, intelligent, honest, loyal and dependable with a true heart of gold.

We honour Gayle for her tremendous contribution to the Club over the years.  She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by her many friends at TSC.

Gayle (right) at the TSC Christmas Day Pancake Breakfast

Gayle (left) at the TSC Spring Bonnet Lunch

Gayle (top) at the Canada Day Seniors Lunch

November 11th

            See details here.

The City of Markham is now offering several “Pay Per Play” Seniors Programs on a weekly basis.  You must pre-book your spot as drop-ins are not permitted at this time.  Click HERE for details.

Other City of Markham In-Person, Virtual and Library Programs can be found HERE.

For inquiries please contact 905-477-5530 or email customerservice@markham.ca

Ontario Seniors will receive a new home renovation tax credit next year to help them stay in their homes longer.

Read the report here.

As we return to Standard Time, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour before 2 am on Sunday November 1st.  It’s also a good time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Hello Everyone.  We hope this finds you well and continuing to stay safe.

We will be offering 3 days next week for Members to collect refunds for pre-paid Travel Desk Trips, Spring Fling Lunch, Snooker Tournament & St. Pat’s Cafe Event Tickets.  Art Students who were unable to collect last week may also pick up their refund on these dates.

The dates are:  Tuesday Oct 13, Wednesday Oct 14 or Friday Oct 16 between 11am – 2pm.

Please be sure to wear a mask and bring your own pen from home.  Knock on the Seniors Centre door (facing John St.) and we will meet you outside to process your refund.  If there are other Members near the entrance upon your arrival, please follow safe distancing guidelines as you wait for us to personally serve you.

We understand that many of our Members do not have access to the internet, so please expect a phone call over the coming days confirming your refund entitlment.

If you are unable to collect your refund during these set times, we will hold your refund for a later date to be determined.  If you would prefer to donate your refund to the Thornhill Seniors Club (NPO), please email cpetrowtsc@gmail.com.  All donations will be properly allocated by our Treasurer and a personal note will be mailed to you by post.  Thank you again to those who have already chosen to do so 🙂

We look forward to seeing you again.  Have a wonderful, safe weekend everyone!

TSC Art students who paid for March/April classes have recently been contacted by phone regarding refunds for classes unattended due to the COVID closure.  

As instructed, cash refunds may be collected at the Thornhill Seniors Centre on Wednesday Oct 7th between 10am – 2pm or Friday Oct 9th between 10am – 2pm.  Due to current regulations, we will have to process refunds outside of the building.

As per our phone call instructions, please remember to arrive wearing a mask and bring a pen from home to sign receipt of refund.  Please knock on the Seniors Centre door (facing John Street) and we will meet you outside to process your refund.

Unfortunately it is predicted to rain on Wednesday and we can not have people huddling in the small covered area in front of the door waiting to receive their refund.  So if you park your car and see someone else being processed at the front door, please wait in your car until they have left before you approach the door.

If for whatever reason you are unable to make these days/times, we will hold your refund for a later date to be arranged.

All other refunds (Travel, Snooker, Spring Fling Lunch, etc,) to follow.  Expect a phone call with details in the coming weeks.

Stay well everyone.

We regret to inform you of the passing of TSC Member, Gigi Corriveau, on Saturday September 19th, 2020.  Gigi was an avid Snooker player and contributor to the Games Room.  She will be greatly missed by her many friends at TSC.