The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

dent Enci Dhanoosingh. “In two years, it had grown to almost 100.” The club currently numbers about 350. Gord ex- pects membership, which renews in the fall, to remain strong. “People are retiring much younger these days, and many are looking for an outlet for their time and energy,” he says. “Our club gives them a variety of choices and activity levels, as well as a friendly, social environment.” Both its charter members and today’s contingent owe a vote of thanks to a Stouffville philanthropist, who generously — and almost coincidentally - provid- ed an enormous boost for the growing group. “Arthur Latcham shopped at Scugog Lumber when he was building a number of local seniors’ centres,” Enci explains. “One of the clerks suggested to him that Port Perry also needed one, and not long afterward, in 1972, construction began at a site near the lakefront chosen in partnership with town council, who had been very receptive to the idea”. More than 200 persons gave Arthur Latcham a standing ovation when the Latcham Centre was of- ficially opened in June 1973. From 1962 until the Port Perry “Latcham Centre” opened, the seniors had occupied an old building be- hind the post office which had been owned by the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. The building was renovated in the early 90’s, adding a wheelchair ramp and an administrative office. It has served well as the hub of numerous seniors’ events. “The club’s evolved over time by adding more ac- tivities,” Enci says. “We did trips to Toronto theatre for years. And as new people joined, they brought their interests and hobbies with them, and shared them with the other members.” That range of available pursuits has contributed to the group’s strength, Gord says. “I knew nothing about computers, but our comput- er club gave me my chance to learn. Now I manage the membership list online. “I’ve been physically active all my life, so the ex- ercise classes — and especially the line dancing — ap- gust Arrived! pealed to me.” The Port Perry Seniors have proven equally “active” within their community, forging close relations over time with the town’s hospital and the service group Community Care. “The hospital approached us in the mid-90’s to help raise money for its Memorial Garden. We've contrib- uted every year since through our annual bazaar.” The club’s impact on its community extends beyond the financial. “We put together a variety show several years ago, intended just for the members,” Enci says. “Someone pointed out that it was a lot of work to devote to just Please turn to page 34 INTERNATIONAL www.hubinter.com eQuipmeNT LTD. Port Perry: 905-982-1500 Lindsay: 705-324-6136 ANOTHER EXCITING LINE NOW EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT feniaen From now until December 15th receive 10% Off Ferragamo sunglasses NORTH DURHAM 1) 4=el A] ite SEE OURAD ON INSIDE BACK COVER Made In Italy NORTH DURHAM EYE CLINIC 189 Norn Street, Port Perry + 905-985-1361 rkman.optometry.not ESTABLISHED 1994 - NEW PATIENTS WELCOME FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2012 33 ‘11.NOVEMBER.56 final indd 33 12-10-22 8:27 AM